G’day mates! When the sun’s out and you’ve got the arvo to yourselves, what’s better than chucking some fresh seafood on the barbie? As an Aussie who loves a good BBQ, I’ve got some cracking seafood BBQ recipes that’ll tantalise your taste buds. Whether you’re in Adelaide or anywhere else in SA, these recipes will make you the host with the most at any gathering!
The Best Seafood for Your BBQ
Your seafood BBQ success starts with choosing the right seafood. Here’s a rundown of what you should grab from your local fishmonger:
- Fish: Go for tuna, salmon, swordfish, or mahi-mahi. Ensure they’re fresh – firm flesh and a pleasant sea smell is what you need.
- Shellfish: Scallops, mussels, clams, and prawns. Make sure to clean and prepare these properly. Discard any dead shells before they hit the grill.
- Squid: Medium-sized squid, cleaned and prepped, is marvellous on the grill.
Marinades and Seasonings
Give your seafood the flavour it deserves with these marinades:
- Classic Cajun Rub: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and black pepper. A bit of a kick for those who like it hot.
- Citrus-Herb Marinade: Fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and parsley. Refreshing and light, perfect for a hot day.
- Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce: Brown sugar, smoked paprika, and a hint of honey. Sweet and tangy, excellent for prawns.
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Seafood
To nail that perfect BBQ taste, you need to know the right technique:
Grilling Methods
- Direct Heat: Best for prawns, scallops, and quick-searing fish like tuna. Crank the grill to about 200°C and lightly oil the bars.
- Indirect Heat: If you’re cooking whole fish or thicker fillets like salmon, go for a two-zone grilling setup.
General Grilling Times
- Prawns: 6 minutes, flipping halfway, until pink and lovely.
- Tuna: About 5 minutes per side until golden outside, blushing inside.
- Scallops: 4-5 minutes, to golden and caramelised goodness.
Expert Grilling Tips
- Skin On: For fish, leave the skin on. It crispy-fies nicely and keeps the fish intact.
- Don’t Overcook: Seafood cooks faster than steaks — stay vigilant!
- Add Smoke: Wood chips like hickory or cherry add a bit of flair and aroma.
Top 5 Seafood BBQ Recipes
1. Grilled Tuna Steak
Season your tuna with salt and pepper or your favourite marinade. Grill on medium-high for about 5 minutes per side. Serve with a squeeze of lemon. Easy-peasy!
2. Chargrilled Scallops
Score your scallops and grill them for 4-5 minutes until golden. A hint of garlic butter on the side never goes astray.
3. Sizzling Squid
Lightly score the squid in a criss-cross and grill for about 3 minutes, turning once. It curls up and chars beautifully.
4. Perfect Prawns
Whether you’re marinating in garlic and chilli or just a dash of olive oil, prawns take about 6 minutes to turn perfectly pink and juicy.
5. Mouth-watering Mussels
Toss them on high heat until they open, then drizzle with fresh lemon and parsley for a quick and delightful snack.
Assembling Your Seafood Feast
Once your seafood is grilled to perfection, it’s time to set the table:
- Mussels and Clams: Dish them out and squeeze over lemon juice.
- Prawns: Place them over a bed of mixed seasonal greens.
- Squid: Pair with a fennel salad seasoned with chilli and lemon.
Final Tips for a Great Seafood BBQ
Remember to dry your seafood before grilling and consider using a fish spatula for easy flipping. Always aim to source sustainable seafood to keep our oceans in good nick. And lastly, mates, if you can, serve up some Aussie wines or craft beers on the side to complement the stunning seafood flavours.
Looking to fire up the barbie with these epic seafood BBQ recipes? Give these tips a go, invite your mates over, and enjoy a true blue feast under the Aussie sky.
