Our Guide on How To BBQ Seafood

Seafood on the barbecue brings bright, coastal flavour right to your backyard gatherings and weeknight dinners. There’s nothing quite like seafood cooked over an open flame. Fresh, smoky, and full of flavour, it’s the taste of summer. 

At Home Fires, we’ve been helping Aussies make the most of their barbecues for decades, so we know a thing or two about getting it right. Whether you’re planning your first seafood cook-up or want to take your weekend barbecue to the next level, our guide on barbecuing seafood will walk you through what to choose, how to cook it, and a few easy recipe ideas to impress your guests. 

Best Types of Seafood for the BBQ

The first thing to know about how to BBQ seafood is that not all seafood behaves the same on the grill. Some hold together beautifully, while others need a bit of care (or a clever trick or two). The seafood that works best on a BBQ is determined by texture, fat content, and how the piece holds together over direct heat. So, what seafood works well on a BBQ?

Firm-fleshed fish

Fish like salmon, tuna, swordfish, and snapper are perfect for the BBQ. Their firm texture means they won’t fall apart when flipped, they soak up smoke and seasoning beautifully, and they flake nicely when grilled. If you like simple flavours, just add olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon. For something richer, try a marinade with garlic, herbs, and a touch of chilli.

Whole fish and skin-on fillets

Cooking fish with the skin on, or even whole, gives you a little extra protection on the grill and plenty of flavour. The skin crisps up nicely while keeping the flesh moist. Barramundi, flathead, or bream work perfectly for this.

Prawn, scallops, and other shellfish

These are quick to cook, full of flavour, and ideal for skewers. Prawns, scallops, calamari and even lobster tails all take beautifully to the BBQ. They only need a couple of minutes on each side, just enough to turn pink or lightly golden.

Oysters, mussels and clams

For a change of pace, try grilling a few oysters or mussels. The heat will pop them open, releasing natural juices that mix perfectly with a bit of garlic butter or white wine and herbs.

The key to mastering seafood on the barbecue is to choose varieties of meat that can handle heat and cook fast. For mixed barbecues, pick items with similar cook times or skewer smaller pieces together. Once you’ve got that sorted, the rest is easy.

How To Cook Seafood on the BBQ

Now let’s get into the good stuff, how to BBQ seafood the right way. Temperature control, simple seasoning, and the right equipment are all key aspects. The goal is juicy, tender seafood with a bit of char and that unbeatable BBQ aroma.

1. Start with a clean, hot grill

Always begin with clean grill plates. Heat the BBQ, give it a quick brush, and then oil the grates to prevent anything from sticking. A medium-high heat is ideal for most seafood, as it’s hot enough for a quick sear without burning.

2. Prep your seafood

Fish fillets: Pat dry and brush lightly with oil. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon zest.

Whole fish: Stuff the cavity with slices of citrus, herbs, or even a bit of fennel for extra aroma. 

Shellfish: Prawns, scallops, octopus, and squid should be cleaned, lightly oiled, and seasoned before they hit the grill.

Oysters and mussels: Rinse well and toss straight onto the grill in their shells.

3. Cook times

Seafood cooks quickly, so stay close to the BBQ.

Fish fillets: About 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

While fish:  6-8 minutes per side, until the flesh flakes easily.

Prawns and scallops: 2-3 minutes each side, look for that perfect pink or golden colour.

Mussels and oysters: 5-7 minutes, or until they pop open.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when learning how to BBQ seafood is overcooking it. As soon as the flesh turns opaque and firms up, it’s done.

4. Add flavour at the end

Once your seafood comes off the grill, that’s the perfect time to finish it with a little something extra. Try a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of garlic butter, or a sprinkle of chopped herbs. It lifts the dish without overpowering the natural flavours.

BBQ Seafood Recipes Ideas

Now that you know the best way to cook seafood on the BBQ for tender, juicy results, here are a few crowd-favourite recipes for busy cooks who still want restaurant-quality results. They’re simple, fresh and full of that smoky BBQ magic.

Garlic and herb prawn skewers

Thread prawns onto skewers, brush with olive oil, garlic and chopped parsley, then grill for 2-3 minutes each side. Finish with a squeeze of lemon. Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad.

Whole snapper with citrus and rosemary

Score the skin, stuff the cavity with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs, and then brush with oil. Grill over medium heat for around 6 minutes on each side, depending on the size of the fish. The result? Crispy skin, tender flesh, and incredible flavour and aroma.

Grilled salmon with dill and lemon

Brush salmon fillets with oil and season with salt, pepper and a pinch of dill. Grill skin-side down until crisp, then flip for a quick sear. Serve with a side of charred asparagus or corn.

BBQ mussels with chilli and garlic butter

Place mussels directly on the grill. When they open, transfer to a bowl and toss through melted butter, chopped chilli, and parsley. Serve straight away with a cold beer as the perfect BBQ snack.

Calamari ring with smoked paprika

Lightly oil and season with paprika, salt and pepper. Grill for just a minute or two on each side. Serve with lemon wedges and aioli. Fast, simple, and delicious.

These recipes all highlight what seafood works well on a BBQ with firm, flavourful cooking varieties that make your next backyard feast a breeze.

All Your BBQ Needs Covered at Home Fires

Here at Home Fires, we’ve been helping Australians master the BBQ for more than 40 years. Whether you’re just learning how to BBQ seafood or you’ve been grilling for years, having the right setup makes all the difference. 

Explore our full range of BBQs for sale, from premium built-in models and charcoal smokers to portable gas BBQs perfect for any backyard or balcony. Each one is built for quality, performance, and that unmistakable BBQ flavour. 

To get the most out of your next backyard cook-up, check out our BBQ accessories. From tools and covers to rotisseries and grill plates, the right gear helps you cook like a pro.
Visit us online or drop into your nearest Home Fires showroom for expert advice and top-quality gear. With the proper BBQ, the right accessories, and the freshest seafood, you’ll be dishing up smoky, flavour-packed meals all summer long.