How to BBQ Seafood Like a Pro: Tips for Grilling Fish, Prawns, and More

BBQing seafood can feel tricky, but once you know the basics, it’s easy to get delicious results.

Whether you’re grilling fish, prawns, or squid, the key is using the right techniques and avoiding overcooking.

Let’s dive into the best ways to BBQ seafood like a pro.

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Choosing the Right Seafood for the BBQ

Not all seafood is suited for grilling. You want firm, meaty fish that won’t fall apart on the BBQ. Some of the best options include:

Fish
Salmon, barramundi, snapper, tuna, swordfish

Prawns
Whole or peeled, with the shell on for extra flavour

Squid
Tubes or tentacles, great for quick grilling

Scallops
Tender and fast-cooking, perfect for skewers

Delicate fish like whiting or flathead can still be grilled, but they work best in a BBQ-safe pan or wrapped in foil.

If you’re after a smoky flavour, using a pellet smoker can add an extra depth of taste to your seafood.

How to Prep Seafood for the BBQ

Good preparation makes all the difference. Start by patting your seafood dry with paper towels—this helps it grill properly instead of steaming. Next, lightly coat it with olive oil and season well. Simple flavours work best—salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic, or fresh herbs.

If you’re cooking prawns or squid, marinating them for 15-30 minutes in olive oil, lemon, and herbs will boost their flavour.

But don’t overdo it—seafood absorbs marinades fast, so a long soak isn’t needed.

Getting the BBQ Ready

Seafood cooks best over medium-high heat.

If the grill is too hot, it can burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too low, it won’t get a good sear.

For charcoal BBQs, use high-quality lump charcoal for better heat control. If you’re using a gas BBQ, preheat it to around 200-230°C.

For delicate fish, a BBQ mat or fish basket can stop it from sticking or breaking apart.

BBQ Cooking Times for Seafood

Seafood cooks quickly, so timing is everything. Here’s a quick guide:

Fish fillets
3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness

Whole fish
6-10 minutes per side

Prawns
2-3 minutes per side, until pink

Squid
1-2 minutes per side—any longer, and it gets chewy

Scallops
1-2 minutes per side, until just firm

Pro tip: If you’re not sure if fish is done, check if it flakes easily with a fork. Prawns should be pink and firm but not dry.

Extra Tips for BBQing Seafood

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Use a fish basket or BBQ mat –
This stops delicate fish from falling apart.

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Keep the skin on –
It helps hold the fish together and adds crispiness.

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Don’t overcook –
Seafood keeps cooking even after it comes off the BBQ, so let it rest for a minute before serving.

Upgrade Your BBQ Seafood Game

Want to BBQ seafood like a pro? At Turn Left @ Albuquerque, we stock high-quality BBQs, pellet smokers and BBQ mats to help you get perfect results every time. Whether you’re after even heat control for delicate fish or smoky flavour for seafood, we’ve got you covered.

Visit us online today and take your BBQ game to the next level!