One of the things we’ll miss most about summer is the chance to cook outside—so we might as well take advantage of this weather while we still can. And nothing makes a backyard cookout more memorable than a fresh, seasonal dish. If you’ve been racking your brain to come up with something new and delicious (and maybe a little unconventional) for your final outdoor event of the season, give these fun and flavorful seafood recipes a try.
Tilapia Piccata
This healthy dish uses lemon, peppers and basil to bring out the best of your fresh Tilapia fillets. It’s got enough flavor to make guests ask for seconds, but it’s light enough to keep them from feeling too full—perfect for a balmy night on the patio. Simply brush the marinade on your Tilapia and then grill on indirect heat for a fish that’s tender, flaky and delicious.
Try the recipe: Tilapia Piccata from Taste of Home.
Grilled Scallops with Creamed Corn
This recipe puts a creative twist on a few classic cookout ingredients. A homemade dry rub (a combination of thyme, oregano, fennel, chipotle, paprika and other spices) really elevates the flavor of meaty grilled seafood. While the scallops are cooking, you can easily whip up a batch of beautiful creamed corn to serve them with. It may be simple, but this dish is anything but boring.
Try the recipe: Grilled Scallops with Creamed Corn from Epicurious.
Seafood Boil
The seafood boil is a classic outdoor meal. It requires only minimal effort to prepare—and it’s just plain fun for everyone to eat. We love the combination of mussels, lobster and corn in this recipe, but you’re welcome to add ingredients like potatoes, prawns, crab and other fish, like Tilapia, to the mix. Once everything is spread across the table, the feast will tantalize more than just your taste buds—the rustic presentation can (and should!) be photographed from every angle.
Try the recipe: The Ultimate Seafood Boil from Kendall-Jackson.
Turmeric and Chilli Squid Salad
Chargrilled squid on a bed of herb-and-spinach salad is a combination that can’t be beat. Guests will be reaching for this spicy, aromatic dish as soon as it hits the table. It’s much tastier than the deep-fried calamari you’re served at restaurants and cooking the squid is simple—just grill for a few minutes per side. Once that’s done, it’s time to kick back and watch the sunset with your companions.
Try the recipe: Turmeric and Chilli Squid Salad from Taste.
Grilled Jumbo Shrimp
The great thing about jumbo shrimp is that it delivers a big portion of lean protein in a small, tender, umami-flavored package. Even better, the shrimp can be livened up with a variety of other ingredients, such as the shallot, lemon juice, garlic and herb marinade featured in this recipe. Grilling these tasty morsels is easy—just remember to keep an eye on them; they can go from perfectly done to overcooked in a matter of seconds.
Try the recipe: Grilled Jumbo Shrimp from The Spruce Eats.
It’s time to make the most of the remaining weeks of summer. Before the sun sets on the season, invite friends and family over for dinner, try new flavor combinations—or even new cooking methods—and enjoy an al fresco meal.
Wine, beer or cocktails? Find out which drinks to serve with your favorite seafood dishes.
Photo Credits: hiphoto / Shutterstock Inc., Epicurious, Kendall-Jackson, Taste, Tema_Kud / Shutterstock Inc.