Why You Need Mayonnaise For The Best Grilled Shrimp And Fish

Mayonnaise is a secret weapon for achieving perfectly grilled shrimp and fish, thanks to its unique composition and cooking properties. Acting as both a marinade and a protective barrier, mayonnaise helps retain moisture, ensuring the seafood remains juicy and tender throughout the grilling process. The oil in mayonnaise coats the shrimp and fish evenly, preventing them from sticking to the grill and promoting a beautiful, even char. Additionally, mayonnaise enhances the flavor by carrying any herbs and spices you choose to mix into it, allowing for greater depth and complexity in every bite. As the mayonnaise heats up, it forms a slight crust on the seafood, adding a subtle richness without overpowering the natural flavors. This creamy emulsion also works well with various seasonings, providing versatility and accommodating different taste preferences. Whether you prefer a hint of garlic, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of cayenne, mayonnaise helps infuse these flavors into the seafood, making each piece a delightful experience. Ultimately, using mayonnaise as a grilling aid elevates your shrimp and fish dishes, making them more flavorful, succulent, and satisfying for any occasion.
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The many additional benefits of this simple swap

When using liquid oils, it can be challenging to control how much adheres to the fish or shrimp. Substituting mayonnaise for those oils is an excellent way to ensure an even coating of fat on your fish, preventing it from sticking to the grill grates, which is a common issue due to the delicate, flaky nature of fish.

Moreover, the simple ingredients in mayonnaise complement the typical flavors used for grilling fish and shrimp. With components like eggs, vinegar, salt, and lemon juice, it won’t overshadow any additional seasonings or salts in your marinade, providing a solid flavor foundation that penetrates the fish's flesh. Beyond flavor, mayonnaise also helps retain moisture in your fish and shrimp as they cook on the grill, as it gradually burns off rather than allowing the natural juices to escape.

Lastly, mayonnaise contributes to a delightful, crispy char on the surface of your fish, thanks to the Maillard reaction, which you won’t achieve with oil alone. This makes mayonnaise a fantastic addition for creating perfectly grilled fish and shrimp.

How to elevate mayo for tastier grilled fish and shrimp

There are numerous reasons to incorporate mayonnaise into your grilling routine, such as preventing flaky fish and retaining moisture. Moreover, this condiment offers a wealth of flavor benefits as well. While it may seem mild on its own, mayo serves as an excellent base that chefs can enhance with inventive ingredients. For instance, you can easily blend in some vibrant seasonings into your mayo before cooking to elevate the flavor of your fish. Consider adding savory minced garlic for extra depth or a kick of heat with a spoonful of Dijon mustard.

From zesty red pepper flakes to a refreshing splash of lemon juice, the choice of flavorful additions is entirely yours. Mayonnaise could very well be the secret ingredient to a spectacular fish dinner that you’ve been overlooking, so give it a try before dismissing it.

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