Summer beckons, and the smoky allure of grilled seafood fills the air. But before you throw every piece of ocean bounty on the barbecue, there's one crucial question: is everything fair game for the grill? While many seafood options thrive over hot coals, there's one that stands out for its unsuitability – shellfish.

Why Shellfish Shouldn't See the Grill

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Shellfish, including mussels, clams, oysters, and scallops, have a delicate texture and high moisture content. Directly grilling them exposes them to intense heat, causing them to overcook rapidly. The shells may not open evenly, leading to uneven cooking and potentially unsafe consumption. Additionally, the smoky char of the grill can easily overpower the delicate flavors of shellfish. And now, here are 11 delectable alternatives to tantalize your taste buds and keep your shellfish friends safe:

Salmon Supreme

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A classic for a reason! Salmon's rich flavor and firm flesh make it a perfect candidate for grilling. Did you know? The vibrant pink color of salmon comes from their diet, which is rich in astaxanthin, an antioxidant found in shrimp, krill, and algae.

Swordfish Steaks

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Swordfish offers a meaty texture that holds up well on the grill. Brush it with a flavorful glaze like teriyaki or chimichurri for an extra punch. Fun fact: Swordfish are apex predators and can grow up to 15 feet long!

Tuna Steaks

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Another hearty option is tuna steaks, which can be grilled rare or medium-rare for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Try a sesame-ginger marinade for a taste of Asia. Did you know? There are actually two main types of tuna consumed by humans: yellowfin and albacore.

Giant Shrimp Skewers

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Thread jumbo shrimp onto skewers and marinate them in a citrusy marinade. Quickly grilling them creates a juicy, flavorful appetizer or main course. Shrimp are actually more closely related to lobsters and crabs than fish! They are all part of a group of invertebrates called crustaceans.

Grilled Calamari Steaks

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While not technically shellfish (it's a cephalopod!), Calamari can be successfully grilled if sliced into thick steaks. Marinate them in a flavorful Italian vinaigrette and grill until slightly charred and tender. Did you know that Calamari is the Italian word for squid, and it's a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine?

Marlin Magic

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Marlin is a fantastic choice for grilling, offering a firm texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Marinate it in a spicy jerk marinade for a taste of the Caribbean, or keep it simple with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Not just delicious, this fish is also a fabulous swimmer. The fastest recorded species is the black marlin, clocking in at speeds of over 50 miles per hour!

Fish Tacos with Flair

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You can transform grilled mahi-mahi, marlin, or even cod into delicious fish tacos. Top them with your favorite salsa, crema, and avocado for a fiesta in your mouth. The term "fish taco" is believed to have originated in Baja California, Mexico, in the 1950s.

Seafood Kebabs

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Thread chunks of various fish (like mahi-mahi, tuna, and salmon) with colorful bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers. Grill them over medium heat for a fun and flavorful presentation. Kebabs are an ancient cooking method that originated in the Middle East, where they were traditionally cooked over open fires.

Cedar Plank Perch

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For a unique grilling experience, try grilling delicate fish like perch on cedar planks soaked in water. The planks impart a subtle smoky flavor and help prevent sticking. Cedar plank grilling is a traditional cooking method used by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, particularly for salmon.

Mediterranean Sea Bass

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Whole sea bass can be seasoned simply with herbs and lemon slices before grilling. The result is a stunning presentation with perfectly cooked, flaky white fish. Sea bass is a popular fish in the Mediterranean region, and its name translates to "rock bass" in Italian.

Smoked Mackerel Twist

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Mackerel's rich flavor profile shines when cold-smoked on a grill. For a delicious twist on this underrated fish, use a smoker box filled with wood chips like applewood or cherry. Smoking is an ancient food preservation technique that adds a unique flavor and aroma.