Coastal Cooking: 11 Summer Seafood Recipes from Across the U.S.

Warm nights, ocean breezes, and coastal cooking—summer was made for fresh seafood. From buttery lobster rolls in New England to spicy Gulf shrimp, every shoreline has its own delicious take. This gallery rounds up some of the best summer seafood recipes from across the country. Get ready to taste your way around the coast, one bite at a time.

Chilled Shrimp Salad

Shrimp salad on a croissant with dill on the side. — Chilled Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

Perfect for a light summer lunch, this Chilled Shrimp Salad combines crisp veggies and succulent shrimp in a zesty dressing. A true celebration of coastal recipes USA.
Get the Recipe: Chilled Shrimp Salad

Mussels with Apples

Close-up of a dish featuring cooked mussels in their shells, garnished with sliced mushrooms and fresh chopped parsley—an elegant option perfect for effortless weeknight dinners. — Mussels with Apples. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

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This unexpected pairing of Mussels and Apples delivers a savory-sweet twist with a white wine broth that’s both elegant and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Mussels with Apples

Salmon with Anchovy Butter

A skillet of salmon fillets with a spatula and a lemon. — Salmon with Anchovy Butter. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

Elevate dinner with this rich and savory Salmon with Anchovy Butter—a flavor-packed recipe that’s both quick and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Salmon with Anchovy Butter

Crawfish Étouffée

A bowl of crawfish etouffee over rice next to a napkin.. — Crawfish Étouffée. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

This Louisiana favorite, Crawfish Étouffée, brings bold spices and rich roux together for one of the best regional seafood dishes you’ll ever taste.
Get the Recipe: Crawfish Étouffée

Southern Shrimp and Grits

A platter of shrimp and grits with two glasses of wine. — Southern Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

Comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor, Shrimp and Grits is a soulful Southern classic that’s perfect for brunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Southern-Style Seafood Boil

A platter of old bay seafood boil — Southern-Style Seafood Boil. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

Loaded with crab legs, shrimp, sausage, and corn, this Seafood Boil is the ultimate family-style feast. Dig in and enjoy one of the best summer seafood recipes.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Boil

Baja Fish Taco Bar

A close-up of a taco filled with crispy fried fish, shredded purple cabbage, fresh cilantro, and drizzled with a creamy sauce, all wrapped in a soft corn tortilla. — Baja Fish Taco Bar. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

This DIY Baja Fish Taco Bar makes dinner a breeze—just set out the toppings and let everyone build their perfect coastal bite.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Taco Bar

Instant Pot Jambalaya

A close-up of a bowl of jambalaya, featuring rice mixed with shrimp, sausage, chopped tomatoes, green onions, and fresh herbs. The dish appears colorful, hearty, and freshly prepared. — Instant Pot Jambalaya. Photo credit: Spicy Southern Kitchen.

Classic Creole flavors meet modern convenience in this Instant Pot Jambalaya—spicy, satisfying, and ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jambalaya

Slow-Roasted Halibut with Burst Tomatoes

Two fillets of cooked fish topped with chopped herbs sit in a skillet surrounded by roasted red and yellow cherry tomatoes. — Slow-Roasted Halibut with Burst Tomatoes. Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

This elegant Slow-Roasted Halibut with fresh tomatoes and gremolata is light, bright, and perfect for any summer seafood menu.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Roasted Halibut

Southern Fried Catfish

Two pieces of golden-brown fried fish fillets on a white plate with a green floral border, served with two wedges of fresh lemon—a classic favorite from before air fryers changed the way we cook. — Southern Fried Catfish. Photo credit: Southern Plate.

Golden brown and ultra crispy, Southern Fried Catfish is the ultimate comfort food with roots in Southern coastal cooking.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Catfish

Low Country Boil

A plate featuring crab legs, corn on the cob, red potatoes, garlic cloves, and a metal cup of melted butter makes this a standout among one pot dinner recipes, with a yellow and white striped cloth nearby. — Low Country Boil. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This festive Low Country Boil is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes all cooked in one big flavorful pot.
Get the Recipe: Low Country Boil

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