Seafood Starters

Barbecued Bacon Shrimp

The most delectable surf-and-turf combo imaginable, bacon-wrapped shrimp are the perfect starter for a casual beach barbecue. To make them easy to assemble and cook, be sure to buy regular (not thick-sliced) bacon.

Recipe: Barbecued Bacon Shrimp

Photo: France Ruffenach

Grilled Shrimp with Sangrita

Marinating shrimp in a Seafood Brine ensures moisture retention and enhances the flavors of this exquisite hors d'oeuvre. Score big with guests by pairing with tangy sangrita and a glass of crisp white wine. You'll score big with guests at your next party.

Recipe: Grilled Shrimp with Sangrita

Grilled Oysters with Chipotle Glaze

For pure impact, you can't beat two-dozen oysters on the half shell set in a sparkling bed of salt. Marinated in a tequila-lime mixture before receiving a gloss of chipotle cream on the grill, these bivalves have it all: salt, smoke, and spice.

Recipe: Grilled Oysters with Chipotle Glaze

Deviled Shrimp

Whole tomatoes, garlic cloves, and pieces of onion are charred on a hot skillet then blended with chipotles to create the devilishly smoky salsa that serves as both marinade and dipping sauce. To keep the morsels especially juicy, use deveined, unshelled shrimp. If you prefer easier eating, however, purchase shelled shrimp instead.

Recipe: Deviled Shrimp

Diver Scallops Grilled on Rosemary

This four-ingredient appetizer can't be beat for ease of preparation. Just soak sprigs of fresh rosemary in water for 20 minutes to prevent them from burning. Then thread sweet sea scallops onto the sprigs, and place them on the grill. Three minutes later, the scallops will be perfectly cooked and infused with the herb's woodsy aroma.

Recipe: Diver Scallops Grilled on Rosemary

Grilled Clams with Sambuca and Italian Sausage

For a seafood starter that meat-lovers will adore, look no further. A splash of licorice-flavored liqueur brings out the enchanting fennel taste in the hearty mixture of Italian sausage and breadcrumbs that tops each clam. Use a vegetable or shellfish grate, or choose clams large enough to be set directly on the grill rack.

Recipe: Grilled Clams with Sambuca and Italian Sausage

Scallops with Celery Root Salad

While the grill is most often used for casual meals, it can be just as effective for classy celebrations. Here, grilled jumbo scallops are plated on a bed of celery root rémoulade, a cool and creamy French sauce spiked with mustard. For a truly over-the-top experience, garnish each scallop with a spoonful of caviar and pair with Sauvignon Blanc.

Recipe: Scallops with Celery Root Salad

Shrimp Bruschetta

Sweet shrimp join tomato, garlic, and parsley to create a bright, flavorful topping for garlicky grilled toasts.

Recipe: Shrimp Bruschetta

Ginger Shrimp Mini Skewers

Ginger, spring onions, and soy sauce give these tiny skewers a tasty Asian twist. Pass a plate of these on the deck while sipping chilled sake or iced green tea.

Recipe: Ginger Shrimp Mini Skewers

More Grilled Seafood

For more sizzling seafood favorites:

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