There’s something magical about summer seafood: Light, fresh, and full of flavor. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking a simple dinner at home, the right seasoning can take your seafood from good to unforgettable. This summer, skip the guesswork and reach for spice blends that are thoughtfully crafted to complement everything from grilled shrimp to seared scallops. Below, we spotlight five must-have spice blends that will elevate your summer seafood dishes and share tips and recipe ideas to help you make the most of each one.

1. Roasted Garlic, Rosemary & Sea Salt: A Classic, Elevated

This blend is deceptively simple, yet profoundly flavorful. It’s made with top-quality roasted garlic, pristine Australian sea salt, and aromatic rosemary, resulting in a seasoning that enhances seafood without overpowering it.

Why it’s perfect for seafood:
The natural sweetness of roasted garlic pairs beautifully with delicate fish like halibut or cod. Rosemary adds a touch of earthy depth, making it ideal for grilled or oven-roasted preparations.

Try it in:

• • • Grilled Sea Bass with Lemon & Garlic-Rosemary Crust: Rub the fish with olive oil and this blend, then grill over medium heat. Finish with lemon slices.
    • Rosemary Garlic Shrimp Skewers: Toss shrimp with the blend and a touch of olive oil. Skewer and grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
    • Outdoor tip: This blend holds up well to open-fire cooking. Keep a shaker on hand for BBQs or camping trips.

 

2. Roasted Garlic & Red Bell Pepper: Bold and Balanced

Packed with 70% garlic and red bell pepper, this blend is robust, colorful, and incredibly versatile. A touch of black pepper, onion, thyme, and sage rounds it out with a savory backbone.

Why it’s perfect for seafood:
This blend adds richness and a subtle sweetness, enhancing the natural umami in shellfish like scallops, lobster, or even grilled calamari.

Try it in:

• • Red Pepper Garlic Scallops: Sear scallops in a hot pan with butter and a sprinkle of this blend for a sweet, garlicky crust.
  • Seafood Pasta: Stir into a tomato-based sauce with mussels, clams, and shrimp.
  • Indoor tip: Use it in marinades with olive oil and lemon juice for baked or air-fried seafood.

 

3. Pineapple Mango & Lime Chipotle: A Tropical Kick

Sweet, smoky, and spicy, this bold blend combines chipotle chili with tropical pineapple, mango, and lime. It’s got heat, but it’s the fruity tang that sets it apart.

Why it’s perfect for seafood:
Spicy-sweet flavors are perfect for fish tacos, grilled shrimp, or anything with a Caribbean or Baja flair. It’s a summer party in a jar.

Try it in:

• • Chipotle Lime Fish Tacos: Rub tilapia or mahi-mahi with the blend and grill until lightly charred. Serve in tortillas with mango salsa and avocado.
  • Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers: Alternate pineapple chunks and shrimp on skewers, sprinkle with this blend, and grill.
  • Outdoor tip: Excellent for campfire foil packs, wrap salmon or trout with veggies and a sprinkle of this blend before cooking over hot coals.

 

4. Sizzling Steak Spectacular: Not Just for Steak

Don’t let the name fool you this savory, smoky blend is just as spectacular on seafood. With roasted garlic, paprika, chili powder, mustard, thyme, and a mix of crushed spices, it packs a punch that pairs well with hearty fish and bold summer recipes.

Why it’s perfect for seafood:
When used with meaty fish like swordfish, tuna, or salmon, it adds a BBQ-style richness that’s ideal for outdoor grilling.

Try it in:

• • Blackened Tuna Steaks: Coat tuna in the spice mix and sear in a hot cast-iron pan. Serve rare with grilled corn salad.
  • Grilled Salmon Burgers: Mix into salmon patties for a smoky, herby bite. Top with spicy mayo and lettuce on a brioche bun.
  • Grill tip: This blend shines on cedar-plank grilled fish, adding depth without masking the seafood’s natural flavors.

 

5. Herbes de Provence: Light, Elegant, and Salt-Free

A French classic, this aromatic mix of basil, lavender, fennel, thyme, and other herbs brings elegance and complexity to seafood. It’s salt-free, so it’s great for lighter dishes or when you want full control of sodium levels.

Why it’s perfect for seafood:
Its subtle floral and herbaceous notes work especially well with white fish, poached seafood, or baked dishes.

Try it in:

• • Baked Herb-Crusted Cod: Mix with breadcrumbs and a touch of olive oil, then press onto cod fillets and bake.
  • Poached Halibut with Lemon & Herbs: Add Herbes de Provence to your poaching liquid for an aromatic finish.
  • Indoor tip: Try it in seafood quiches or summer seafood stews for a refined flavor that doesn’t overpower.

 

Summer Cooking Tips: Indoor or Out

These blends were made for summer—they’re easy to use, versatile, and eliminate the need to prep complicated marinades or sauces. Whether you’re cooking in the backyard or indoors on a weeknight, keep these tips in mind:

• • Oil + Spice = Magic: Combine your blend of choice with olive oil or melted butter to make a quick marinade or basting sauce.
  • Foil Packs & Skewers: Perfect for outdoor grills or campfires, spice up foil packs of fish, shellfish, and vegetables or create spice-rubbed skewers for easy serving.
  • Don’t Overdo It: Seafood is delicate. Start with a light sprinkle of spice blend you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
  • Experiment Freely: Mix and match! Try a pinch of Pineapple Mango & Lime Chipotle with Herbes de Provence for sweet and savory contrast.

 

Final Thoughts

Great seafood doesn’t need much, it just needs the right touch. These five blends make it easy to bring gourmet flavor to your summer dishes without the fuss. Whether you’re planning a beachside cookout or a cozy dinner indoors, these spices help you capture the essence of summer in every bite.