Late summer is made for relaxed outdoor meals. Whether you are planning a garden gathering, a family barbecue or an easy weekend dinner, fresh fish and seafood offer a delicious alternative to the usual burgers and sausages.
From smoky swordfish steaks and tender salmon fillets to speedy prawn skewers and charred squid, seafood cooks quickly on the barbecue and works beautifully with bright, simple flavours. Add lemon, fresh herbs, garlic and a few colourful seasonal sides, and you have everything you need for a memorable meal outdoors.
Choose Seafood That Works on the BBQ
The best fish for grilling is generally firm enough to hold its shape and robust enough to take on a little char from the barbecue.
Salmon is always a popular choice. Its rich flavour pairs well with lemon, herbs, chilli, honey or a simple garlic butter, and it can be grilled as fillets or cooked on a cedar plank for a gently smoky finish.
Swordfish steaks are another excellent option for the barbecue. Their meaty texture means they are easy to handle on the grill and work well with Mediterranean flavours such as olive oil, lemon, mint and parsley.
Tuna steaks need very little preparation. Season simply with oil, salt and pepper, then sear over high heat until lightly charred on the outside. Serve sliced with a fresh tomato and herb salad, or with a punchy salsa verde.
Whole sea bream is ideal when you want to make an occasion of it. Fill the cavity with lemon slices, garlic and herbs before cooking, then serve straight from the barbecue with a crisp green salad and grilled vegetables.
Prawn and Squid Skewers
Skewers are one of the easiest ways to serve seafood at a barbecue. They cook quickly, are easy to portion and make a great addition to a sharing-style spread.
Try threading prawns onto skewers with pieces of courgette, pepper and red onion. Brush with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and chopped parsley before grilling for a few minutes on each side.
Squid also works brilliantly on the barbecue. Lightly coat prepared squid in olive oil, garlic, chilli and lemon, then cook quickly over a high heat. The key is to keep cooking time short, helping the squid stay tender rather than tough.
For an easy finishing touch, serve both with lemon wedges and a fresh herb dressing.
Build a Seafood BBQ Platter
A seafood barbecue does not need to be complicated. Instead of preparing lots of separate dishes, create one generous platter for everyone to share.
Start with a selection of grilled fish, such as salmon, swordfish or whole sea bream. Add prawn skewers, grilled squid and seasonal vegetables, then serve with a few simple accompaniments:
- Charred corn on the cob with butter and lime
- New potatoes with olive oil, sea salt and fresh herbs
- Tomato, cucumber and red onion salad
- Grilled sourdough with garlic butter
- Lemon mayonnaise, aioli or salsa verde
- A fresh green salad with rocket and herbs
This approach is perfect for entertaining because much of the preparation can be done in advance. Once your guests arrive, all that is left to do is cook the seafood and bring everything together.
Keep Marinades Light and Fresh
Fresh seafood does not need heavy sauces. For late-summer cooking, keep flavours simple so the fish remains the star of the dish.
A classic combination of olive oil, lemon, garlic and parsley works with almost everything, from prawns and squid to salmon and sea bream. Alternatively, try a soy, ginger and honey marinade with salmon or tuna, or combine mint, basil, lemon and olive oil for swordfish.
Avoid marinating delicate fish for too long, particularly when using citrus, as the acid can affect the texture. A light coating shortly before cooking is often all you need.
Simple BBQ Tips for Fish and Seafood
Make outdoor seafood cooking easier with a few simple steps:
- Preheat and clean the barbecue before cooking to help prevent sticking.
- Lightly oil the fish, seafood and grill before cooking.
- Use a fish basket or foil tray for delicate fillets and whole fish.
- Thread prawns and squid onto skewers for easier turning.
- Turn fish only when it releases easily from the grill.
- Cook seafood in smaller batches so it is served hot and at its best.
- Finish with lemon, fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
Make the Most of Late Summer Dining
A late-summer seafood BBQ is all about keeping things easy, colourful and full of flavour. Choose a few quality fish and seafood options, add simple seasonal sides and let the barbecue do the work.
Whether you are serving grilled salmon for a family dinner, swordfish steaks for friends or a generous seafood platter for a weekend gathering, fresh seafood is a versatile and impressive centrepiece for outdoor dining.