Grilled cheese sandwiches are always a great, quick meal. However, paired with seafood is even better!”
Preparing a seafood grilled cheese
When preparing a seafood grilled cheese sandwich, you can use whatever bread you like. However, I highly recommend using brioche bread because sweet taste goes very well with seafood. While it is not required, it is highly recommended.
When it comes to seafood, I use lobster, shrimp and crabmeat. Each seafood ingredient is optional. Some people prefer to use all three, or they choose which seafood they want to use. I myself, have made this sandwich in the past with one or two seafood choices. So, use whatever you want. I’m sure it will turn out great either way.
I use store-bought crab meat that is picked and freed from shells and cartilage. Crab legs can be used as well, but you will save more time by buying store bought crab meat. It is also important to steam your lobster and shrimp. I prefer this method because it retains moisture, which is important for this sandwich. If you use another cooking method like baking or searing, it important to use butter or oil for lubrication.
When making your seafood mixture, you will mix the seafood, parsley, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and lemon juice. Old Bay is my cajun seaoning of choice because of it’s low sodium content. Seafood does not require a lot of salt, as it is naturally salty. You can taste this mixture to ensure it’s to your liking. Sometimes, I find myself having to add a little more cajun seasoning, alter according to your own personal taste.
When grilling the sandwich, use butter and vegetable oil. We use both because butter brings out the flavor, and vegetable oil is able to take the heat. This will help prevent burning your sandwich. Spread butter on each slices of bread. Layer your cheese, seafood and another layer of cheese. You will grill sandwich on both sides until golden brown. I find myself flipping approximately 4 times. Serve your sandwiches immediately. Fries, chips or soup pairs very well with this sandwich.
There’s a video of me preparing this sandwich on Instagam. If you make it, please tag me! I hope you enjoy!
Seafood Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- loaf of brioche bread
- 2 lobster tails optional
- 1 lb white shrimp, peeled, deviened with tail off
- 1 cup crabmeat, cooked any kind of fresh crabmeat, not canned
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning Old Bay recommended
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups white cheddar, shredded
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 stick of unsalted butter 1/2 cup
- vegetable oil for skillet
- 4 thyme sprigs optional
- 3 lemon slices optional
- 1 tbsp white wine optional
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water to boil along with optional thyme sprigs, wine and lemon slices. Once water has started to boil add lobster tails. Cover and steam for 4 minutes. Remove cover and add shrimp. Cover and steam for additional 4 minutes. If choosing to use lobster tails, skip that step and just steam the shrimp for the 4 minutes.
- Chop lobster and shrimp into small chunks.
- In a medium bowl, add seafood, parsley, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly. Taste mixture and add more cajun seasoning if needed.
- Heat 2 tbsp of butter and 2 tsp of oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Butter two slices of bread on one side, and place opposite side down in skillet. On one slice of bread, add a layer of sharp and white cheddar, a generous amount of the seafood mixture and another layer of cheese. Top with other slice of bread and grill on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted. I typically flip approximately 4-5 times to get it golden brown to my liking.
- Repeat steps until as many sandwiches as possible are made.
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