The Ultimate Guide to Seafood: Cuts, Best Uses & Seasonings

Introduction

Seafood offers delicate textures, rich flavors, and incredible versatility in cooking. Whether you're grilling salmon, searing scallops, or steaming lobster, using the right seasoning, rub, or marinade can enhance its natural taste without overpowering it. This guide covers the best seafood choices, cooking methods, and ideal seasonings to help you prepare restaurant-quality dishes at home.

Types of Seafood & Best Cooking Methods

Seafood is generally categorized into fish and shellfish, each with unique characteristics.

1. Fish (Lean vs. Oily)

• Lean Fish: Cod, Tilapia, Halibut, Snapper, Flounder – Best for grilling, baking, frying.

• Oily Fish: Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, Sardines – Rich in Omega-3s, best for grilling, smoking, pan-searing.

2. Shellfish (Crustaceans & Mollusks)

• Crustaceans: Shrimp, Lobster, Crab – Best for boiling, steaming, grilling.

• Mollusks: Clams, Mussels, Oysters, Scallops – Best for steaming, grilling, pan-searing.

INSERT PHOTO: Seafood Types (Fish & Shellfish Chart)

Best Seafood Choices & How to Cook Them

Here are some of the most popular seafood options, their best cooking methods, and the ideal seasonings to use:

1. Salmon (Oily & Rich)

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Grilling, baking, pan-searing.
🔥 Flavor Profile: Buttery, fatty, holds up to bold flavors.
🔥 Best Seasonings: ✔ Citrus-Garlic Herb Marinade – Enhances the richness without overpowering.
✔ Brown Sugar & Mustard Glaze – Caramelizes beautifully when grilled.
✔ Smoky Cajun Rub – Adds a bold, spicy kick.

2. Tuna (Firm & Meaty)

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Grilling, searing, sushi. 🔥 Flavor Profile: Steaky, dense, best when served rare or medium-rare. 🔥 Best Seasonings: ✔ Soy-Ginger Marinade – Perfect for Asian-style tuna steaks.
✔ Blackened Spice Rub – Creates a flavorful crust with cayenne & smoked paprika.
✔ Sesame Crust with Wasabi Aioli – Ideal for seared ahi tuna.

3. Halibut (Lean & Flaky)

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Baking, grilling, pan-searing.
🔥 Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly sweet, needs seasoning to enhance.
🔥 Best Seasonings: ✔ Lemon-Dill Butter Sauce – Bright and fresh.
✔ Panko & Parmesan Crust – Adds texture without overpowering the fish.
✔ Mediterranean Herb Rub – Garlic, oregano, and lemon zest for boldness.

4. Shrimp (Sweet & Succulent)

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Grilling, sautéing, boiling.
🔥 Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly briny, great for marinades. 🔥 Best Seasonings: ✔ Garlic Butter & Lemon – Classic and enhances the natural sweetness.
✔ Jerk Spice Rub – Adds smoky heat with allspice and cayenne.
✔ Tequila-Lime Marinade – Bright and citrusy, perfect for tacos.

5. Scallops (Tender & Buttery)

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Pan-searing, grilling. 🔥 Flavor Profile: Sweet, delicate, slightly nutty. 🔥 Best Seasonings: ✔ Brown Butter & Thyme – Adds depth and richness.
✔ Citrus-Chili Glaze – Balances sweet and heat.
✔ Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper – Keeps it simple and elegant.

6. Lobster (Rich & Luxurious)

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Boiling, steaming, grilling.
🔥 Flavor Profile: Sweet, rich, buttery.
🔥 Best Seasonings: ✔ Garlic Butter & Lemon – Classic combination that enhances the richness.
✔ Old Bay & Smoked Paprika – A bold, slightly spicy choice.
✔ Herb Compound Butter – Elevates lobster tails on the grill.

7. Clams & Mussels (Briny & Juicy)

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Steaming, sautéing.
🔥 Flavor Profile: Salty, slightly sweet, best with broth-based flavors.
🔥 Best Seasonings: ✔ White Wine & Garlic Sauce – A classic Italian preparation.
✔ Spicy Tomato Broth – Adds heat and depth.
✔ Coconut Curry Broth – Rich and aromatic.

INSERT PHOTO: Garlic Butter Lobster Tail on the Grill

Seafood Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook it! Most seafood is best when cooked just until opaque or medium-rare (for tuna & salmon).

• Pat dry before cooking – Ensures crispy seared fish and prevents sticking.

• Use citrus for balance – Lemon, lime, and orange cut through richness and enhance freshness.

• Oil the grill grates – Prevents fish from sticking when grilling.

• Use high heat for scallops & tuna – Creates a perfect sear while keeping the inside tender.

INSERT PHOTO: Seafood Cooking Temperature Chart

Pairing Seafood with the Right Spices, Rubs, & Marinades

• Rich, Oily Fish (Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel) → Pair with bold, smoky, and sweet marinades or rubs.

• Mild, Lean Fish (Halibut, Cod, Snapper) → Use bright, citrus-based seasonings and light herbs.

• Shellfish (Shrimp, Lobster, Crab, Scallops) → Pair with garlic, butter-based sauces, and mild heat.

• Briny Mollusks (Clams, Mussels, Oysters) → Complement with savory broths and wine-based sauces.

🔥 Recommended Products from Our Store: ✔ Citrus-Garlic Marinade – Perfect for shrimp, salmon, and scallops.
✔ Blackened Spice Rub – Ideal for bold seafood dishes like tuna and snapper.
✔ Old Bay-Style Seasoning – A must-have for crab, lobster, and shrimp.
✔ Tequila-Lime Marinade – Great for grilled seafood tacos.

Conclusion

Seafood is delicate yet deeply flavorful, and the right seasoning can enhance its natural beauty. Whether you’re grilling tuna, roasting shrimp, or steaming mussels, using the perfect rub, marinade, or sauce will take your dish to the next level.

🔥 Shop our premium spice blends & marinades to bring bold flavors to your seafood dishes! 🔥

INSERT PHOTO: Our Seafood Spice Collection