Under the Sea: BBQ’ing Whole Fish, Seafood & Shell-On Techniques
Tips & Tricks for Grilling Whole Fish, Seafood & Shell-On Techniques
Gone are the days when BBQ meant only burgers and brisket. As grilling evolves, a broader range of proteins is taking center stage — none more exciting than seafood. The backyard grill, once dominated by beef and pork, now hosts everything from whole fish to shrimp, scallops, and shell-on crustaceans.
Seafood brings not only bold flavors but also an impressive, show-stopping presentation and quick cooking times. It’s also a lighter, health-conscious alternative to traditional red meats, offering more omega-3s, lean protein, and fewer saturated fats.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the essential techniques, tools, and tips to help you confidently grill fish and shellfish like a seasoned seafood pitmaster. We’ll explore everything from choosing the right seafood to the equipment you’ll need, and share some unique marinade and flavoring ideas. Plus, we’ll recommend must-have gear and offer expert tips to ensure your next seafood BBQ is a success. Let’s dive in!
Why Grill Seafood?
Seafood is increasingly popular among grillers because it offers a variety of benefits that you simply can't overlook. Here's why grilling seafood should be your next culinary adventure:
- Healthier Protein: Seafood is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and is generally lower in calories and saturated fats compared to red meat. It's a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor.
- Fast Cooking: The beauty of seafood is how quickly it cooks. Unlike beef or pork, most seafood cooks in less than 10 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a last-minute addition to your BBQ spread.
- Elevated Flavor: The natural smokiness imparted from grilling adds depth and complexity to seafood without the need for heavy sauces. A light glaze or dry rub is often all you need to elevate the flavor of your seafood.
- Versatility: Seafood is incredibly versatile and can take on a variety of flavor profiles. Whether you prefer a zesty citrus marinade, smoky BBQ rub, or a sweet honey glaze, seafood works well with marinades, rubs, glazes, and live-fire techniques.
Choosing the Right Seafood for the Grill
Before you start grilling, it’s essential to choose the right type of seafood. While you can grill just about any fish or shellfish, certain varieties are better suited for grilling whole or in larger cuts. Here's a breakdown of the best options:
Best Types of Whole Fish for Grilling:
Grilling whole fish is one of the most dramatic and flavorful ways to prepare seafood. The skin crisps up beautifully, and the meat stays moist and tender. Here are some of the best types of whole fish for grilling:
- Snapper: A firm and mild fish, snapper is perfect for grilling. Its skin crisps up nicely, and the meat is moist and flavorful.
- Branzino: Known for its delicate, mild flavor, Branzino is a top choice for grilling whole.
- Trout: With a slightly sweet, nutty flavor, trout is another excellent choice for grilling whole, especially when stuffed with herbs and citrus.
- Mackerel: Mackerel's rich, fatty texture holds up well to high heat, making it ideal for grilling.
- Sea Bass: A lean fish with a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with smoky grill flavors.
Best Shellfish for Grilling:
Shellfish is another fantastic grilling option. Shrimp, scallops, lobster, and crab are all perfect for high-heat grilling, and their natural sweetness is enhanced by the smoky char. Below are some shellfish options that do well on the grill:
- Shrimp: Shrimp is an excellent choice for grilling, especially when kept in the shell to retain moisture and flavor. It grills quickly, so keep an eye on it!
- Scallops: The delicate texture of scallops makes them perfect for grilling in a pan or on a skewer. Their natural sweetness comes to the forefront when grilled to perfection.
- Lobster Tails: Lobster is a real showstopper on the grill. Split them in half, baste with butter, and grill until golden brown.
- Crab Legs: Crab legs are easy to grill, adding a nice smoky char while preserving their sweetness.
Whole Fish on the Grill
Grilling whole fish may sound intimidating, but with the right techniques, it’s easy and incredibly rewarding. Here’s how to do it:
Prep Tips for Whole Fish:
- Keep the skin on: The skin helps protect the delicate flesh from the intense heat of the grill and adds flavor.
- Gut and scale it: If you’re not familiar with prepping whole fish, ask your fishmonger to do this for you.
- Score the sides: Lightly score the sides of the fish to help it cook more evenly and absorb more flavor from your marinade or seasoning.
- Stuff the cavity: Fill the fish with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Oil the skin: This prevents sticking and helps achieve a nice crispy texture.
Grilling Techniques for Whole Fish:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 400°F). Fish cooks best over medium heat, which ensures it’s cooked through without drying out.
- Grill the fish for 6-8 minutes per side, depending on its size. For a medium-sized fish, an internal temperature of 135-140°F is ideal.
- Use a fish basket or a well-oiled grill to prevent the fish from falling apart. Flip the fish carefully using long-handled tongs or a fish spatula.
Shell-On Shrimp & Prawns
Grilling shrimp and prawns with the shell on locks in moisture and enhances the flavor. Here's how to do it:
Marinade Ideas:
- Garlic Lime Cilantro: A zesty marinade made with garlic, lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of olive oil. Or, mix it up and go with a lemon garlic flavor profile by using Bobby T's Lemon Garlic Butter Seasoning in your marinade.
- Cajun Butter Rub: A rich and spicy rub that adds a bold kick to shrimp. Try using Mis' Rubin's Fish Magic Seasoning as part of your marinade.
- Honey Chili Glaze: A sweet and spicy glaze that caramelizes as the shrimp grills, creating a smoky-sweet crust. Make your marinade using premium ingredients like Chipotle Chili Powder by The Spice Guy and Elijah's Xtreme Hot Honey for the best results.
Grilling Tips for Shell-On Shrimp:
- Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque.
- Skewer the shrimp or place them in a grill basket to prevent them from slipping through the grates.
- Grill lemon halves cut-side down for an extra burst of smoky citrus over the shrimp.
Grilled Scallops
Scallops are a delicacy that’s perfect for grilling. Their meaty texture and sweet, briny flavor are brought to life on the grill. Here's how to grill scallops:
Grilling Technique:
- Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
- Season simply with salt, pepper, or a light dry rub to allow the natural sweetness to shine through.
- Grill over high heat for 1.5-2 minutes per side, ensuring they develop a golden crust without overcooking.
- Check out this Seared Scallops with Grilled Mango Salsa recipe from a previous Grill Masters Club box.
Doneness Clue:
- The outside should have a golden, crispy crust, while the inside should have a slight give when pressed gently with tongs.
Flavor Pairings for Seafood BBQ
Seafood and BBQ are a natural match, but the right flavor pairings can elevate your grilling experience even further. Here are some great choices for enhancing your seafood BBQ:
- Herbs: Dill, cilantro, thyme, tarragon, and parsley work wonders with seafood.
- Citrus: Lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit zest brighten up the flavors of grilled seafood.
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Smoke Woods: Apple, alder, cherry, pecan, almond and peach wood provide a sweet, mild smoke that complements seafood perfectly. Grab wood chunks or chips from the Pitmaster Shop:
- Apple Wood Smoking Chips by Camerons (2lb)
- Cherry Wood Smoking Chips by Camerons (2lb)
- Pecan Wood Smoking Chips by Camerons (2lb)
- Pecan Wood Smoking Chunks by Camerons Products (10 lb)
- FOGO Wood Chips for Grilling & Smoking (available in Apple, Cherry and Pecan)
- FOGO Wood Smoking Chunks (available in Apple, Cherry and Pecan)
- Browse all of our wood chunks and chips in our Fuels Collection
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Rubs: Try citrus garlic, chipotle lime, or herb peppercorn rubs to add complexity. Here are some of our FAVORITE dry rubs that pair excellently with all types of fish and seafood -- Build Your Own Bundle today and choose 5 for $49.99:
- Shake That All Purpose Seasoning by The Flat Top King
- Mis' Rubin's Fish Magic Seasoning
- Roasted Garlic Blend by The Spice Guy
- Moroccan Twist Seasoning by Sauce Goddess
- Sun Valley "Musty Dust" Mustard Seasoning
- Shrimp + Crab Boil Seasoning by The Spice Lab
- Feiny's Chesapeake Rub
- Seafood Seasoning Collection (4-Pack) by The Spice Lab
- Sides: Pair your seafood with grilled corn, tangy slaw, citrus quinoa, or blistered shishito peppers for a well-rounded meal.
Must-Have Products for Seafood BBQ Success
The right tools and accessories can make or break your seafood BBQ. Here’s what you need to make grilling seafood easier and more enjoyable:
- Fish Grilling Basket: Essential for flipping whole fish without it falling apart. We have a variety of options available in the Pitmaster Shop that work perfectly for fish:
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Cedar Planks: Perfect for grilling delicate fish filets, cedar planks add a subtle smoky flavor while preventing the fish from sticking.
- Enjoy FREE US shipping on our 2-pack: Grill Masters Club Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks - 5x11" (2-Pack)
- Seafood Tool Bundle: A set of seafood scissors, lobster claws, and crab picks will make handling lobster and crab a breeze.
- Grilling Wraps: Grilling wraps are a great way to impart flavors into your delicate seafood. Here are some from the Pitmaster Shop:
- High-Temp Grill Mats or Grids: Ideal for shrimp, scallops, and flaky fish that may fall apart on the grill -- using these will prevent your seafood from falling through the grates.
- Digital Thermometer: Ensure your seafood is perfectly cooked by checking the internal temperature.
- Skewers: Add skewers to your BBQ toolkit to easily handle shrimp, scallops, and smaller fish fillets. Stainless steel or wooden skewers ensure even cooking and make flipping delicate seafood a breeze while keeping it intact on the grill.
Final Thoughts
It’s time to take your BBQ beyond the traditional meats and start mastering the art of grilling seafood. With the right techniques, tools, and flavor profiles, grilled & BBQ seafood can be just as satisfying as your favorite brisket or ribs — and often quicker, fresher, and healthier. So, fire up the grill and get ready to explore the exciting world of seafood BBQ!
Ready to make a splash? Explore our grilling & smoking accessories collection for baskets, planks, and accessories to take your seafood grilling to the next level.
Grill it, don’t kill it. Stay salty, stay smoky, and serve it shell-on!
