Few things say summer like fresh seafood cooked over an open flame. If you enjoy grilled fish at your favorite restaurant, you might be surprised to learn how easy it is to make at home. The experts at Billy’s Seafood in Bon Secour, AL, recommend purchasing the highest quality fish available and sticking to a simple recipe. Locally caught snapper, grouper, and cobia all hold up well to grilling and will melt in your mouth. The following guide will help you find the right seasonings for the perfect warm-weather entree.

Snapper

Red snapper is one of the most popular varieties at seafood markets and restaurants throughout the Gulf Coast region. With a delicate, flaky texture and a mild flavor, it’s a versatile fish you can pair with nearly any recipe. Try marinating snapper fillets in citrus juice, vinegar, or wine seasoned with fresh rosemary, parsley, and minced garlic. Cooking the fillets with the skin on holds the meat together and prevents it from burning. Place your seafood on the opposite side of the grill from your coals or wood chips, so it cooks using gentle indirect heat.

Grouper

Anglers flock to the Gulf of Mexico to land this delicious fish. Prized for its firm texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, grouper is easy to cook at home and pair with a wide range of flavors. Add some spice by brushing your fillets with a mixture of butter, garlic, and creole seasoning before placing them on a medium-high grill. Allow the fish to cook for 12 to 15 minutes, brushing with the butter mixture throughout. Serve grouper with a fresh salad featuring leafy greens and tangy seasonal citrus to highlight the sweet flavors of the seafood.

Cobia

With a naturally sweet and nutty taste, cobia needs minimal preparation when cooking on the grill. Brush the grates with olive oil and season the fillets on both sides with salt and pepper for a simple yet delicious meal. Let the fish cook for approximately five minutes on both sides and garnish with lemon wedges before serving.

For a more dramatic presentation that will impress your summer dinner guests, try grilling any of these varieties whole. Ask your local seafood market to clean and scale the fish for you, so you only have to season and cook it at home. Make sure the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145° before serving.

The secret to every great backyard barbecue is fresh seafood, so head to Billy’s Seafood to see what’s in store. Call (251) 949-6288 or visit them online to learn about the day’s freshest catch.