Nothing Says ‘Welcome Summer!’ Like Grilled Seafood
It’s the weekend many of us have waited all winter for—Memorial Day, the kickoff of grilling season in many parts of the country. Yet, for many, enthusiasm is dampened by that ho-hum prospect of the same old hot dogs and hamburgers. Some hosts are also left wondering what to feed their non-meat-eating guests or close friends with summer goals of eating healthier or losing weight.
The answer, of course, is seafood. Packed with protein, vitamins, and essential minerals, seafood is healthier than most other grill fare. It is easy to grill and diverse enough to go from American to Caribbean to any cultural flavorings in between. When bought flash-frozen and stocked, it can expand from dinner for two to a party of many in mere minutes. So the only question is, what should you grill?
Whether you are a seasoned grill master or just getting started, below are some delicious suggestions and cooking tips guaranteed to add festivity to your Memorial Day celebrations with minimal work.
Shrimp skewers. Few things look and taste more appealing coming off the grill than shrimp. And few dishes are easier to grill than skewered shrimp. The key is to use large, high-quality fish and be sure they are dry to prevent distinguishing the flame. We recommend metal, reusable skewer sticks versus wood for obvious reasons, although if the wood is your preference, soak them in water, which, in this case, is your friend. Serve drenched in teriyaki, lemon garlic, honey soy, or another favorite sauce.
Grilled branzino fillets. The secret to this simple yet irresistible grilled fare is to start with quality fillets from Harvest of the Sea. Ensure the grill grate is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking; preheat it for 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s hot enough. Another option is to cook it in tin foil, which allows the use of a sauce for more of a poached texture but minus the tell-tale grill marks. Lightly oil and season the filet as desired. The rule of thumb is to cook filets for about 10 minutes for each inch of thickness, turning once. And now, you have a delicious, perfectly grilled fish to serve plain, with a sauce, or topped with other summer fare, like pineapple or asparagus.
Fish tacos. You can never go wrong with these gems. While there are almost as many variations as fish in the sea, the most common fillings include easy-to-grill options such as shrimp, calamari, or a fish fillet like branzino. Lightly grill the taco shells to add a little warmth if the air is still a bit chilly. Serve with all the fixings, including shredded lettuce or slaw, tomatoes or salsa, and tartar or your sauce of choice. Of course, the tasty fish will also fit nicely on a lightly toasted hamburger bun.
Grilled calamari. For many people, few things say summer, beach, and fun like grilled calamari, and few foods are faster or more straightforward to prepare. A delicious option is to soak them ahead of time in a lemon-cilantro-based marinade for about 30 minutes. Pat dry, then cook each piece for about two minutes per side on a hot, preheated grill or grill pan, being careful not to overcrowd them, and voila! You have perfectly grilled calamari. Remember, no matter how you serve them, they go fast, so stock up!
Seafood salad. Memorial Day also marks the beginning of salad season for many people who favor something lighter on those hot summer days. Nothing fills the bill like seafood salad (Insalata di Mare in Italian). While the choice is yours, a good combination is grilled calamari, shrimp, and a firm fish such as branzino. Seafood salad can be cooked on a stovetop, boiling or poaching to free up room on the grill, or the seafood can be grilled for a crunchier version. Either way, the salad is suitable as an appetizer, side dish, or the main course,
So, this year, forget the tired old dogs and boring burgers. Grill up some seafood and let the summer fun begin!