Oh, what a delight it is to grow up in a city on the beach! There’s nothing better than slipping on your flip flops, throwing on a t-shirt and towel, and heading out for a quick 10-minute walk to the beach!
The markets are absolutely packed with all kinds of fresh fish, and it’s absolutely incredible to see them swimming around and moving when you buy them! It makes me think about all the delicious ways I can cook them!
In summer, in flip flops, my mind immediately turns to the grill: fish BBQ and beer, of course!
Pairing the right beer with seafood can make your BBQ experience even better, with lighter yet flavourful combinations.
I love to pair my best beers with fish after grilling it on the BBQ. Some great friends and your BBQ will be more fun than ever!
Take your grilled salmon to the next level by combining it with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a drizzle of honey-based glaze! Your taste buds will be treated to a delicious symphony of flavours! This blend of citrus and sweetness will absolutely take your fish BBQ experience to the next level! It’ll make it vibrant and refreshing.
A beer with a good hop and a bit of bitterness is the perfect match for the rich, fatty salmon! The beer’s hoppy bitterness perfectly balances the flavour, creating a harmonious taste sensation that highlights the best aspects of your fish BBQ to absolute perfection! For the perfect pairing, try an IPA or a modern amber ale!
If you love seafood, you’ll absolutely adore BBQ shrimps! They’re absolutely delicious! The easiest way is to put them straight on the grill – it’s as simple as that!
But why stop there? There are so many delicious marinades you can try, like garlic butter, spicy chilli, or even tropical fruit-infused sauces! These will transform your shrimp into a culinary delight that will be the star of the show in any fish BBQ lineup!
And when you pair them with a light and crisp Pilsner beer, it’s a match made in heaven! In the summer heat, the light bitterness of the beer is the perfect contrast to the chargrilled marks on the shrimp. It’s a taste sensation you’ll never forget!
Serve up some succulent grilled swordfish with a side of grilled vegetables for an absolutely delicious, perfectly balanced fish BBQ meal! The robust flavours of swordfish, when paired with the caramel notes of an amber ale, create a truly satisfying and complex meal that any BBQ enthusiast will absolutely love!
Swordfish is an absolute star when it comes to fish BBQ! Its meaty texture holds up really well on the grill, making it a firm favourite in this delicious cuisine.
Tuna steaks are another excellent seafood option for the grill! Tuna is absolutely perfect for fish BBQ! It has a firm texture and hearty flavour, making it an excellent choice. Marinating tuna steaks in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey is an absolutely amazing way to add Asian depth and richness to the fish! When you pair this with a crisp and fruity Saison beer, the slight acidity and effervescence of the beer will cut through the richness of the tuna, creating a well-balanced and refreshing pairing that will leave your taste buds wanting more!
And don’t forget to squeeze a bit of lime over the tuna just before serving to add a final burst of flavour. This method is sure to impress at any Fish BBQ gathering!
Grilled Shellfish: Your Stylish Barbecue
Scallops may not be the first thing you think of for a Fish BBQ, but they are an elegant and delicious option. Marinate them in a delicious blend of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, then skewer and grill them until they are perfectly caramelised – the taste is out of this world!
These delightful treats are simply perfect with a Belgian Dubbel! I’ve also tried them with honey beer and it’s a match made in heaven! The malty sweetness of the beer will bring out the savoury umami flavours of the scallops, making your fish BBQ an unforgettable experience!
When it comes to luxurious seafood, grilled oysters are the absolute top choice for any fish BBQ!
Fresh oysters, grilled to perfection, offer an incredible smoky, briny flavour that is truly transcendent! Now for the fun part! Simply place the oysters directly on the grill until the shells start to open. Then, carefully pry them open and add a dollop of garlic herb butter. The heat of the grill really brings out their natural taste, making them an absolutely exquisite treat! Pair your grilled oysters with a robust stout beer for an incredible flavour explosion! When I first heard about it, I was blown away! I’d never thought of drinking a rich red Bordeaux wine with fish, but it was an amazing combination. But it’s a classic Irish tradition, and it’s an absolute must-try!
When I first heard about it, I was blown away! I’d never thought of drinking a rich red Bordeaux wine with fish, but it was an amazing combination. But it’s a classic Irish tradition, and it’s an absolute must-try!
The rich, creamy texture of the stout perfectly complements the briny sweetness of the oysters, creating an absolutely decadent and indulgent fish BBQ experience! This is the perfect pairing for cooler evenings! The warmth of the stout provides a comforting balance to the fresh, oceanic flavour of the oysters.
Key Tips for a Successful Fish BBQ
Follow these key tips to guarantee your fish barbecue is a success:
A well-planned Fish BBQ paired with the right beers can elevate your outdoor cooking to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a casual BBQ enthusiast, incorporating these pairings and tips will ensure your Fish BBQ is a flavorful success.
Bringing It All Together
I grew up just a stone’s throw from the beach, and I’ve always loved the simple pleasures of summer! There’s nothing better than fresh fish from the market, the sizzle of the grill, and the perfect beer to match! The tangy zest of grilled salmon, the spicy kick of BBQ shrimp, or the hearty flavours of tuna steaks and swordfish – these delights are simply irresistible!
And pairing them with the right beer takes my beachside BBQs to new heights. So, next time you find yourself slipping on those flip-flops and heading out for that perfect catch, remember that the magic lies not just in the cooking, but in the camaraderie, flavours, and the joy of experimenting. Happy grilling! May your BBQ days be as refreshing and unforgettable as those summers strolls on the beach!