Summer Seafood Dishes

Now with the warm weather here, everyone's mind and palate turns towards the briny deep. Summer usually means the beach and with it a taste for fresh seafood. There are so many different types of it, from lobster to shad that a foodie can spend an entire season just enjoying fish as the main dish. There are also a variety of ways ot enjoy it as wellfrom salads to barbecue. Each way is fun and flavorful, the perfect way to start the season.

The most popular seafood , without a doubt is lobster. Everyone enjoys a fresh cooked one dripping with melted butter. This cousin of a spider (yes spider, it's part of the arachnid family)is best served steamed (if you're an animal rights activist, please don't read on)as New Englanders and lobstermen did. It then should be served with freshly melted butter. However you can also chill the lobster meat and mix with mayo and celery. Serve this on a hot dog bun for the quintessential lobster roll. This is popular through the Hamptons and there are roadside stands featuring it with a side of potato chips and a Coke. if you're feeling more adventurous then try making lobster thermador which is steamed lobster with a richly spiced bechamel sauce. This does take a lot of work and ingredients plus a hot oven to create and you make want to stick with an easier dish. Lobster salad is always good. Just prepare a regular tossed salad with an oil and red wine vinegar dressing and add the cooked lobster chunks. It makes a light but elegant dinner.

Another summer seafood favorite is shrimp. With this you can grill it, turn it into a salad or just eat it boiled with a homemade or prepared hot sauce. You can also fry up popcorn shrimp which is simply the fish dipped in egg and breadcrumbs. This is a great dish for any out door party because it can be the main meal too. Serve it with three or four dipping sauces along with some fresh veggies. Remember that in preparing you have to devieln the shrimp. Most stores such as Williams and Sonoma along with Target sell shrimp deveiners but you can also use a small paring knife for this task. First peel off your shrimp's back and legs and then slice into the exposed portion. Carefully lift the vein that resembles black thread running through the meat and discard. Put deveined shrimp on ice until ready to prepare.Crab is another warm weather favorite.It can be used in salads or just boiled and served with melted butter similar to lobster.

If you're thinking of making fish dishes this summer then try grilling .You can get fresh seasonal fish at your local market. Don't opt for the whole fish however. Buying fillets would be a better choice. You can marinate them and then grill later. Try lime or lemon with oregano for a tasty and flavorful marinade.

Summer usually means heading to the beach and enjoying the ocean. You can also enjoy its' fruits the next time you make a warm weather seafood feast for yourself and friends.