15 Top Seafood Recipes from the American Southeast

Southern-Style Oven-Fried Catfish
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine.

For seafood lovers, the Southeast is the place to be. The Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea provide fresh fish in abundance. Shrimp in these waters come in a variety of colors, though they all turn pink once cooked. Rock lobsters and stone crabs are also popular shellfish. This recipe collection covers them all! Plus the seafood plucked from the rivers and streams that feed into the ocean and gulf waters, including catfish and crawfish. And because we're talking about Southern cooking here, these ingredients get the big, bold flavor treatment! Take a look!

01 of 15

SC Frogmore Stew

SC Frogmore Stew
SC Frogmore Stew | Photo by Kim's Cooking Now.

Shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes simmer in a flavorful broth and served with spicy butter. "Being a South Carolina girl at heart, this has and will always be one of my favorite and most comforting meals," says RRADAMS.

02 of 15

Fiesta Conch

looking down into a stock pot of fiesta conch
BAM242

Fresh conch meat is cooked to tender in a rich tomato sauce and served over rice or noodles. "This recipe is a result of my intro to conch while spending several years sailing off the coast of Florida and in the Caribbean," says Judy. "Hope you enjoy. White wine really sets it off. Note: The sauce may be prepared ahead and refrigerated 3-4 days or frozen until ready to use. Simply reheat, add conch, and serve."

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03 of 15

Grilled Rock Lobster Tails

Grilled Rock Lobster Tails
Molly

Rock lobster tails are lightly seasoned with lemon and garlic and grilled. "Phenomonal!" raves AMROSIA1968. "We've decided that grilled seafood is the way to go now! The 'marinade' works great on shrimp and scallops too! Just make them into kabobs and brush on!"

04 of 15

Ultimate Gulf Coast Gumbo

close up on a bowl of Gulf Coast gumbo
daniel matthews

This gumbo is full of Gulf Coast treasures! Shrimp and crab combine with chicken, sausage, vegetables, and Cajun spices. "Serve over rice, accompanied with garlic bread," says Robert Wilson. "Also have salt, red pepper flakes, and additional file powder on the table. Great with cold beer."

05 of 15

Dave's Low Country Boil

Dave's Low Country Boil
Rob Hag.

This one-pot meal has it all: Sausage, shrimp, crab, potatoes, and corn. "Famous in the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina, this boil is done best on an outdoor cooker," says Lisa. "An all-in-one pot all-you-can-eat buffet!"

06 of 15

Cajun Crab Cakes (No Breadcrumbs)

looking at a platter of two Cajun crab cakes with a dipping sauce
naples34102

With these crab cakes, seasoned bread crumbs won't overwhelm the delicate crab meat — because these cakes are bread crumb-free! "The key is to use a small amount of crumbled crackers instead of breadcrumbs," says Tracy. "Two of the most crucial ingredients used in New Orleans cooking are Cajun spice and local seafood! I hope you enjoy!

07 of 15

Southern-Style Oven-Fried Catfish

Southern-Style Oven-Fried Catfish
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine.

The spicy breading makes the difference with these oven-fried catfish fillets. "I have served this to many a friend from the South, and it is always a winner!" says carina. "Serve with coleslaw and oven-baked french fries, and you'll have a healthy, tasty meal!"

08 of 15

Cajun Red Snapper

looking at a plate with a single Cajun red snapper fillet and a side of veggies
Roni Schmidt

"This is the best recipe for fish I have ever made!" raves EERICKSON. " I didn't bother mixing up the cajun seasoning, as I have a purchased one that I like already."

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09 of 15

Louisiana Crawfish Etouffee

crawfish in thick sauce topped with rice
Ashley Kirkland

"Here in Louisiana, there's nothing better than this classic during crawfish season," says Bonnie Lang Turnage-Mortgage O. "This recipe is easy and can be substituted with shrimp when crawfish are out of season. Even better when served with hot garlic French bread! Start cooking the rice first since this is a quick and easy dish."

10 of 15

Air-Fried Crispy Fish Po' Boys with Chipotle Slaw

Air-Fried Crispy Fish Po Boy Sandwiches

Make these New Orleans-inspired famous 'po-boy' sandwiches with your favorite white fish and enjoy topped with chipotle coleslaw served on toasted hoagie rolls. "I loved this dish especially the slaw!" says Elizabeth. "Very easy to whip up and it makes a lot of slaw. I plan on using my leftover slaw for some pulled pork sliders."

11 of 15

Smoked Fish Dip

Smoked Fish Dip
Thomas

You'll find smoked fish dip in many popular restaurants along the Gulf Coast of Florida. "This recipe for smoked fish dip is world class," says KPERKINS100 We used smoked whitefish, well boned, but any other smoked fish should work. Serve with crackers, lemon or lime wedges, and capers."

12 of 15

Key West-Style Baked Grouper

looking at a baked grouper fillet with a lime slice on top
Qhhunters

This citrus-flavored grouper offers a real taste of Key West. "Delicious! This was a very tasty and healthy dish," says Renee. "One of the most simple recipes I've tried from this site. Easy to prepare & yummy to eat... what more could you ask for? Even my husband loved it and he is a very picky seafood eater!"

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13 of 15

Key West Shrimp and Spiny Lobster Tails

close up on a bowl of pink shrimp and spiny lobster with hot key lime butter
naples34102

This recipe from sunny southern Florida pairs shrimp and spiny lobster meat with mushrooms in a spicy butter and Key lime sauce. "The wine, garlic, lime juice, and hot sauce take this dish beyond ordinary without camouflaging the sweet, tender, buttery, meaty taste of the Florida lobster tails and shrimp," says naples34102. "An excellent dish, simply prepared with just a few quality ingredients, as most good dishes are."

14 of 15

South Carolina She-Crab Soup

looking down at a bowl of she-crab soup
miss margo

"This soup is a staple for all of us living on the South Carolina coast," says SOWEN. "Here is my take on the soup that I think is outstanding! Enjoy!"

15 of 15

Crab Fritters

Crab Fritters
Jesseboo79

Crab fritters are fried and served with a tangy garlic and horseradish dipping sauce. "Super simple, yet elegant enough to serve to company!" says FoodieGeek.

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