Grilling Seafood Perfectly

As summer approaches, the allure of outdoor cooking becomes irresistible. For seafood lovers, grilling offers a fun and flavorful way to enjoy the ocean's bounty. At FreshAIG.com, we believe that grilling seafood is not only tasty, but a convenient way to cook, making it easier to eat seafood regularly.

Why Grill Seafood?

Grilling imparts a unique smokiness and char to seafood, enhancing its natural flavors. Whether you're using a charcoal or gas grill, the process is simple and rewarding since your grill is made to cook a lot of seafood within minutes. Since seafood cooks quickly, a combination of direct and indirect heat will result in wholesome meals that everyone will enjoy.

Char Coaling

For charcoal grilling, arrange briquettes on one side, ignite them, and let them burn down to embers. Adding wood chips can introduce a delightful smoked flavor. Place your seafood over the hot embers, and once the skin begins to char, shift it to the cooler side of the grill and cover to cook slowly and absorb the smoky notes. If it's easy enough, carefully rotate a single grate grill 180 degrees or shift the seafood over to the side of the grill without coals and cover for the duration.

Gas Grilling

Gas grilling is equally straightforward. Preheat the burners, place the seafood skin-side down over direct heat, and once it chars, turn off the burner directly beneath while leaving others on. Cover the grill to let the seafood cook through without flipping, reducing the risk of flaking or sticking.

Choosing the Right Seafood

Not all seafood is created equal when it comes to grilling. Fatty seafood like salmon, trout, tuna, shrimp and lobster are ideal due to their ability to retain moisture and flavor. Leaner options like flounder may require extra care to prevent a metallic taste and maneuver due to the delicate texture.

Grilling Tips

• Cook time varies between 3 and 45 minutes (for larger whole fish), but a rule of thumb is 8 minutes per inch of thickness
• Position fish parallel with the grates so a spatula can be easily slid under the length of fish when lifting off the grill
• Pre-seasoning with salt or brining can help maintain moisture and integrity during grilling
• Placing fish on greased foil over the grates is an option for delicate fish, that may stick and fall apart, leaving your grill clean in the process
• Grilling fish in a basket can also prevent sticking to the barbecue

Fresh Seafood is Best

At FreshAIG.com, we connect you with local fish markets offering seafood perfect for grilling. FreshAIG merchants are experts in processing fish to make your grilling easy and enjoyable. By choosing the freshest seafood available, you contribute to your health and community while enjoying delicious meals with the ones you care about.

Take Home

Grilling seafood is more than just a cooking method; it's an experience that brings people together. Whether you're exploring new trends or seeking healthy options, grilling offers a versatile and convenient way to enjoy seafood. Visit FreshAIG.com to find the freshest seafood nearby for your next cook out. Share your grilling stories and seafood recipes with #FreshAIGSeafood, and let's celebrate the joy of seafood together.