10 Best Seafood Recipes for a Perfect Summer Dinner
Seafood has always been one of the most popular ingredients in cooking, and for good reason. Not only is seafood delicious, it’s packed with protein, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. But what makes it particularly great is that it can be cooked in so many different ways—from grilling and barbecuing, to poaching, steaming, roasting and sautéing. So, if you’re looking for delicious seafood recipes to make for your next summer dinner, look no further. Here’s our compilation of 10 of the best summer seafood recipes to make for a perfect summer dinner.
1. Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon is great for an outdoor summer dinner. It’s a light, healthy, and tasty choice that also happens to be very simple to make. To make grilled salmon, simply marinate your salmon in some olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and spices such as paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Grill the salmon according to your preference, and serve with some fresh herbs, a side of veggies or a citrus salad.
2. Fish Tacos
Fish tacos make for a great summer dinner, as they’re light, flavorful, and very easy to make. Simply marinate your favorite fish such as cod, snapper, or halibut, in a mixture of spices, lime juice and a bit of oil. Grill the fish until it’s cooked all the way through, then assemble the tacos with your favorite toppings. Try adding tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
3. Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp is another great option for a summer dinner. To make grilled shrimp, marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs and spices. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill for a few minutes and then place your shrimp on the hot grill. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until the shrimp are cooked all the way through. Serve with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.
4. Poached Salmon
Poached salmon is an excellent and easy way to prepare salmon for a summer dinner. To make poached salmon, place a piece of salmon in a pot of gently simmering water. Add a few slices of lemon and a few sprigs of fresh herbs to the water, and then season with salt and pepper. Allow the salmon to cook for 8-10 minutes, until it is cooked through. Serve with steamed vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes.
5. Lobster Bisque
If you’re looking for an indulgent summer dinner, nothing beats a creamy, flavorful lobster bisque. To make it, start by sautéing some onion, celery and garlic in butter until they are soft. Add some tomato paste and a few cups of chicken or vegetable stock and simmer until thick. Add cooked, chopped lobster to the soup and simmer for a few minutes more. To finish the bisque, stir in some cream and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with some crusty bread.
6. Lobster Roll
Lobster rolls are an iconic summer dish, perfect for a relaxing dinner. To make them, cook a few tails of freshly-boiled lobster until the meat is just cooked through. Remove the meat from the shells and cut into bite-sized pieces. Mix the lobster chunks with a little mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chopped herbs like tarragon and chives. Pack the mixture into toasted hot dog buns, and serve with a side of fries and some coleslaw.
7. Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are another delicious seafood dish that makes for an easy summer dinner. Start by combining cooked crab meat with some minced onion, celery, garlic, and herbs. Mix in a few tablespoons of mayonnaise, and then shape the mixture into small patties. Fry the crab cakes in a pan or on the grill until golden and crisp. Serve with a simple salad or some fries.
8. Grilled Scallops
Grilled scallops are a great choice for a summer dinner. Marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and some herbs and spices. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and then place the scallops onto the grill. Cook for two to three minutes on each side until they are golden and crisp. Serve with a simple salad.
9. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a classic summer dish that’s perfect for a dinner. To make it, sauté some garlic, onion, and red pepper in a pan with a bit of olive oil. Add some cooked shrimp, and cook for a few minutes more. Add a splash of white wine and some lemon juice and reduce the liquid slightly. Stir in some melted butter and parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with plenty of freshly cooked pasta.
10. Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a creamy and comforting dish that makes for a great summer dinner. Start by sautéing some onion and celery in butter until they are soft. Pour in some clam juice, season with a little bit of white pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Add some chopped potatoes, and simmer until they are cooked through. Add a can of chopped clams and some cream, and simmer until the chowder is thick and flavorful. Serve with some crusty bread.