The Best Southern Seafood from the Gulf Coast to Carolina Lowcountry

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Southern seafood doesn’t hold back, and neither should you. Whether you’re craving the crispy, golden goodness of Fried Catfish, the rich, creamy comfort of Scalloped Oysters, or a bowl of Seafood Gumbo so good it should come with a warning, this lineup has you covered. Fire up the grill for Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets, go all-in on bold flavors with Cajun Crab Stuffed Salmon, or keep things crispy with Oven Fried Fish that delivers all the crunch without the grease. And if you think seafood can’t be fancy, just wait until you try Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi—it’s impressive without trying too hard. C’mon and bring a little Southern flair to your next meal!

Mushroom Dusted Halibut

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Mushroom dusted halibut topped with sauteed mushrooms over sunchoke puree with simple sauteed greens in a bowl.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

Mushroom Dusted Halibut is a pan-seared masterpiece packed with rich umami goodness. A dusting of mushroom powder gives the halibut a deep, savory boost before it hits the skillet for a perfectly golden crust. Simple, elegant, and anything but ordinary!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Dusted Halibut

Best Shrimp Skewer Recipe

top view of serving shrimp kabobs on a white plate
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Shrimp Kabobs bring the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and downright irresistible. Around here in the Carolinas, these tropical-inspired skewers are a must for wintertime Tiki parties and chilly backyard cookouts. With a marinade that moonlights as a glaze, they’re juicy, flavorful, and an easy meal on a stick!
Get the Recipe: Best Shrimp Skewer Recipe

Scalloped Oysters

Scalloped oysters in a casserole dish with a serving spoon.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Scalloped Oysters are a seafood lover’s dream, bringing rich, creamy comfort in every bite. This vintage casserole keeps things simple yet indulgent, letting the oysters shine. Old-school, soul-warming, and always a crowd favorite!
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Oysters

Seafood Boil

seafood boil with seafood boil sauce.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

Seafood Boil brings all the coastal feast vibes straight to your kitchen—no giant pot or special occasion required. With simple ingredients, one pot, and plenty of ways to mix things up, you’ll have a flavor-packed spread in just 20 minutes. Get the bibs ready!
Get the Recipe: Seafood Boil

Fried Catfish

Deep fried catfish with hush puppies on a white surface with lemon wedges and parsley sprinkled on top
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Southern Fried Catfish is crispy, golden perfection with every bite. Coated in a boldly seasoned cornmeal breading and fried until tender inside, it’s a true Southern staple. Serve it up hot, and don’t forget the hush puppies!
Get the Recipe: Fried Catfish

Grilled Shrimp

overhead view of grilled shrimp on a white plate.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Grilled Shrimp proves that big flavor doesn’t have to take all day. A quick soak in a zesty marinade, a brush of lemon garlic butter, and just 15 minutes stand between you and seafood perfection. Easy, fast, and downright irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp

Salmon Croquettes

Overhead of salmon croquettes or salmon cakes on white platter with tartar sauce
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Southern Salmon Croquettes are a soul food staple that get it just right—crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside. Packed with salmon and just the right aromatics, they’re the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style. Simple, satisfying, and downright delicious!
Get the Recipe: Salmon Croquettes

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi

An image of a fillet of fish on a white plate topped with mango salsa and a nutty breadcrumb coating on the outside.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi is the perfect mix of effortless and elegant. This baked beauty comes together easily but brings a crispy, nutty crust that feels downright fancy. Ideal for a weeknight upgrade or a dinner that’ll have guests thinking you went all out!
Get the Recipe: Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi

Seafood Gumbo Recipe

Vintage blue bowl filled with seafood gumbo recipe over rice with gold spoon ready to serve.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Seafood Gumbo is a vintage classic loaded with shrimp, oysters, and crab, all simmering in a richly spiced broth. It all starts with a deep, flavorful roux—the key to that unmistakable Southern depth. One spoonful, and you’ll understand why this dish has stood the test of time!
Get the Recipe: Seafood Gumbo Recipe

Cajun Jambalaya Pasta Recipe

An overhead shot of a bowl of cajun jambalaya pasta recipe with shrimp and sausage
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Cajun Jambalaya Pasta is a one-pot wonder packed with bold Creole and Cajun spices, juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and a whole lot of flavor. Quick, hearty, and anything but boring, this dish brings the bayou straight to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Jambalaya Pasta Recipe

Chicken, Crab and Andouille Sausage Gumbo Recipe

Chicken, Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo Recipe | foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

Gumbo is a Southern classic that rewards patience with deep, rich flavor. The secret? A slow-cooked roux that sets the stage for this iconic dish. Take your time, and you’ll be ladling up a bowl of pure comfort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken, Crab and Andouille Sausage Gumbo Recipe

Cajun Crab Stuffed Salmon

A fork cutting into a stuffed salmon fillet with herbs, accompanied by green beans and a lemon wedge on a plate.
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

Cajun Stuffed Salmon by Salt and Lavender takes dinner up a notch with its bold, zesty crab filling that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Perfect for a weeknight when you want something special—or when you’re out to impress. Either way, this seafood stunner never disappoints!
Get the Recipe: Cajun Crab Stuffed Salmon

Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Delicious Keto Shrimp and Grits with a rich sauce ready to serve
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Keto Shrimp and Grits delivers all the Cajun comfort without the carb overload. Spiced-up shrimp and a rich, savory sauce meet creamy cauliflower “grits” for a dish that’s big on flavor but easy on the waistline. Who knew low-carb could taste this good?
Get the Recipe: Keto Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Grilled Fish Tacos with Pineapple Cabbage Slaw (30 Minutes!)

Picking up a Grilled Fish Taco made with mahi mahi and Pineapple Cabbage Slaw
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

Grilled Fish Tacos with Pineapple Cabbage Slaw bring fresh, zesty flavor to the table in just 30 minutes. Juicy, perfectly grilled fish meets a sweet-and-crunchy slaw that keeps every bite interesting. Consider this your new go-to taco night upgrade!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fish Tacos with Pineapple Cabbage Slaw (30 Minutes!)

Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

Shrimp Boil Packets with shrimp, corn cobs, sausage, potatoes and seasoning.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

Shrimp Boil Foil Packets take everything you love about a classic shrimp boil and make it even easier. Whether you toss them on the grill or bake them in the oven, you’ll get juicy shrimp, bold seasoning, and zero cleanup drama. A true Southern win!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

Oven Fried Fish

Delicious spicy oven fried fish fillets sprinkled with parsley and garnished with lemon ready to serve.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Oven Fried Catfish brings all the bold, Southern flavor you crave—just without the grease bath. A little spice kicks things up a notch, and the crispy coating delivers that satisfying crunch. Bonus: this method works like a charm on other fish, too!
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Fish

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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