Seafood & Wild Game 4th of July Cookout Feast

By Derrick R. Stallings – HuntingOfficer.com

Whether you’re grilling by the beach or in the backyard, seafood and wild game are ideal for summer celebrations. They’re light, fresh, and pair beautifully with seasonal sides and drinks. Here’s the full spread we’ll be making:

• Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
• Cajun Grilled Oysters with Herb Butter
• Cedar-Plank Grilled Salmon
• Seared Venison Steaks with Blackberry Sauce
• Assorted Greens Summer Salad
• Citrus-Berry Sparkling Punch

Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

These shrimp skewers are a zesty, garlicky crowd-pleaser that’s quick to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 10-15 minutes.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
4. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

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Cajun Grilled Oysters with Herb Butter

These oysters are smoky, buttery, and perfectly seasoned. They’re a great finger food for seafood lovers.

Ingredients:

• 12 fresh oysters, shucked (keep them in the half shell)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix butter, Cajun seasoning, garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.
3. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of butter mixture onto each oyster.
4. Place oysters on the grill, shell-side down. Grill for 4-5 minutes, until butter is bubbly and oysters are just cooked.
5. Serve immediately.

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Cedar-Plank Grilled Salmon

Using cedar planks gives the salmon a smoky, earthy flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• 1 salmon fillet (about 1½ lbs)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cedar plank (soaked in water for 1 hour)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Pat salmon dry and brush with the honey mustard glaze.
4. Place the soaked cedar plank on the grill. Once it starts smoking, place salmon on the plank.
5. Close grill lid and cook for 20-25 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve with extra glaze drizzled on top.

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Seared Venison Steaks with Blackberry Sauce

If you’re in the mood for wild game, these seared venison steaks are tender and flavorful with a sweet blackberry sauce that complements the rich meat.

Ingredients:

• 2 venison steaks
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup fresh blackberries
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Season venison steaks with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove and let rest.
3. In the same skillet, add blackberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, mashing the blackberries slightly.
4. Serve sauce over the steaks.

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Assorted Greens Summer Salad

This light and crisp salad is the perfect side for seafood and wild game.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine, etc.)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds or chopped nuts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and sunflower seeds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

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Citrus-Berry Sparkling Punch

This non-alcoholic punch is refreshing, slightly sweet, and perfect for a hot summer day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup lemonade
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 3 cups sparkling water or club soda
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine orange juice, lemonade, and cranberry juice.
2. Add sliced strawberries, lemon, and lime.
3. Chill for 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
4. Before serving, stir in sparkling water and add ice.

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Final Thoughts

This 4th of July, switch up the traditional burgers and hot dogs for something lighter and more elevated. These seafood and wild game recipes are perfect for celebrating with friends and family. The salad and punch tie everything together for a well-rounded, delicious meal. Happy grilling and enjoy the fireworks! 🎆

What’s your favorite 4th of July dish? Share it in the comments!

*AI Was Used In The Creation Of This Post