Are you tired of serving the same old shrimp dishes at your Memorial Day celebrations?
While shrimp is a classic choice, it can feel limiting and leave your menu feeling one-note.
Relying too heavily on shrimp might make your seafood options feel repetitive and predictable, leaving guests who crave variety underwhelmed.
What if you could expand your seafood horizons and impress your guests with a diverse array of flavors and textures?
This list of 10 Memorial Day seafood recipes offers exciting alternatives to shrimp, ensuring your celebration is as memorable as the holiday itself.
🌲 Cedar-Plank Salmon with Smoky Flavors
Impress with Minimal Effort
Place salmon on a soaked cedar plank and grill until the fish flakes easily. The wood imparts a subtle smokiness that enhances the salmon’s natural flavor. Serve with lemon and fresh herbs for brightness.
Pro Tip: Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
🦞 Grilled Lobster Tails for an Elegant Touch
Turn Up the Luxury Factor
Split lobster tails and brush them with clarified butter. Grill meat-side down until the meat is opaque and tender. The natural sweetness of the lobster shines through with just a hint of smokiness.
Idea: Serve with a small bowl of clarified butter for dipping.
🌮 Zesty Fish Tacos with a Kick
Bring Heat and Flavor to the Table
Season white fish with chili powder and cumin, then grill until flaky. Serve in tortillas with shredded cabbage, lime crema, and pickled red onions. The zesty flavors are perfect for a summer meal.
Pro Tip: Marinate the fish in lime juice and olive oil for 15 minutes before grilling.
🐟 Stuffed Fish Fillets with Herbs and Garlic
Easy Yet Impressive Main
Stuff fish fillets with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and garlic. Bake until the fish is opaque and the topping is golden. This dish looks elegant but requires minimal prep.
Hack: Use pre-cleaned fish fillets to save time.
🦐 Scallops with Lemon and Shallots
Quick and Elegant Appetizer
Sear scallops until golden and serve with a sauce of lemon juice, butter, and shallots. The scallops cook quickly, making them perfect for last-minute guests.
Tip: Pat scallops dry before searing to ensure a perfect golden crust.
🐟 Fish and Chips with a Light Batter
Comfort Food Elevated
Dip fish fillets in a light beer batter and fry until crispy. Serve with homemade tartar sauce and mushy peas. This classic is always a crowd-pleaser.
Pro Tip: Use a mix of flour and cornstarch for a lighter, crunchier batter.
🦐 Crab Cakes with a Fresh Spin
Impressive and Flavorful
Mix crab meat with breadcrumbs and Old Bay seasoning. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden. Serve with a dollop of remoulade.
Hack: Chill crab cakes for at least 30 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
🐟 Grilled Mackerel with Mediterranean Flavors
Bold and Flavorful Option
Marinate mackerel in olive oil, garlic, and oregano. Grill until the fish flakes easily. The strong flavor of mackerel stands up well to bold seasonings.
Idea: Serve with a side of grilled lemon slices for added brightness.
🦐 Shrimp and Sausage Skewers (Okay, Just One Shrimp Recipe!)
A Balanced Crowd-Pleaser
Alternate shrimp and andouille sausage on skewers. Grill until the shrimp are pink and the sausage is cooked through. Serve with a zesty remoulade sauce.
Pro Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
🐟 Salmon Cakes with Dill and Capers
Light and Refreshing
Mix canned salmon with dill, capers, and breadcrumbs. Form into patties and pan-fry until crispy. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Hack: Use a food processor to quickly chop the ingredients.
🎉 Memorial Day celebrations deserve a diverse and exciting seafood menu that goes beyond the ordinary shrimp offerings.
Whether you’re grilling cedar-plank salmon or serving elegant lobster tails, these recipes will add variety and sophistication to your table.
Pick 2-3 dishes to try this holiday and watch your guests delight in the unexpected flavors and textures.
Share your favorite Memorial Day seafood recipe in the comments below and tag us in your photos. Let’s make this holiday both delicious and memorable!
