What to Cook on a Boat? - 8 Quick and Delicious Boat recipes

Croatia Yachting
Croatia Yachting Published in Blog Created at Updated at 24. January, 2025
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What to Cook on a Boat? - 8 Quick and Delicious Boat recipes BLOG

If it’s true that love goes through the stomach, then that feeling is undoubtedly even stronger while on vacation – especially on a boat. A seaside holiday and enjoying delicious food go hand in hand, and days spent on the water not only spark an appetite for new flavors but also for new sailing adventures.

If you're considering renting a boat – whether a sailboat or a catamaran, planning your route, and dreaming of perfect moments of happiness, we suggest you start thinking about the meals you'll prepare onboard. This will help you stay organized and ready for carefree days on the water.

As part of your preparation, we recommend trying out these 8 recipes we’ve gathered for you. Start today and discover how to enrich your maritime adventures with incredible flavors!

A barbecue (or even a skillet) is always a good idea.

Grilling under the open sky is always a special experience for all the senses, but grilling on a boat takes it to another level. Here's how to make it truly spectacular – a feast for the taste buds.

grilling_on_a_boat
Grilling on a boat is always a good idea

Monkfish and Mussel Skewers (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

  • Grated lemon zest and lemon juice
  • Lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp thyme
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 200 g monkfish fillet
  • 16 fresh cleaned mussels
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 zucchini
  • 16 cherry tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper

Preparation:
In a glass bowl, mix lemon juice and zest, lime juice, honey, crushed garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the monkfish cubes and mussels to the marinade. Let them marinate for 30 minutes while soaking wooden skewers in water. Thread each skewer with a cube of monkfish, a mussel, a piece of bell pepper, a slice of zucchini, and a cherry tomato. Grill the skewers, occasionally brushing them with the leftover marinade while cooking. Enjoy!

Fragrant_shrimp_in_foil
Fragrant shrimp in foil that no one can resist

Fragrant Shrimp in Foil

Ingredients:

  • ½ kg shrimp tails
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Salt, pepper, lemon, and about 10 red peppercorns

Preparation:
Mix softened butter, chopped parsley, and minced garlic thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Wash the shrimp, drain excess liquid, and distribute them evenly onto two large pieces of aluminum foil. Sprinkle the shrimp with the prepared butter and herb mixture, mixing well to coat. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with coarsely crushed red peppercorns. Wrap tightly in foil and grill for about 5 minutes. Enjoy!

delicious_mediterranean_chicken_on_a_plate
Delicious Mediterranean chicken on a plate

Mediterranean Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 750 g chicken
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped oregano

Preparation:
In a bowl, mix the chopped chicken with garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator for at least three hours. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Sprinkle with fresh oregano before serving. Enjoy!

delicious_meal_on_a_boat
Salads are a quick, refreshing, and delicious dish to enjoy on board.

Classic Mediterranean Dishes: Something for Every Taste

Greek Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups olive oil
  • 2 tsp oregano
  • ½ cup wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 2 cucumbers
  • 6-8 tomatoes
  • 2 cups lettuce
  • ½ onion
  • ¾ cup feta cheese
  • 1 ⅓ cups olives

Preparation:
Lightly heat the olive oil with oregano leaves, then let it cool. In a small jar, mix vinegar, salt, and pepper, then add the cooled olive oil and oregano mixture. Close the jar and shake well to create a smooth emulsion. Chop the cucumbers and tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and mix. Add lettuce leaves, chopped onion, diced feta cheese, and olives. Dress the salad with ¼ cup of the prepared dressing. Chill well before serving. 

Fried_fish_delicacies
Fried fish delicacies are a quick and filling option

Fish Fritters (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

  • 500 g hake
  • 2 dl milk
  • 2 eggs
  • Garlic powder
  • Mediterranean herbs
  • Oil
  • Salt

Preparation: Cut the fish fillets into smaller pieces and season with a mix of spices. In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, flour, salt, and a pinch of garlic powder to create a batter thicker than pancake batter. Dip the fish pieces into the batter, then fry them on both sides until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve with a fresh salad. 

carbonara_dish
Italian dish Carbonara is always a desirable option

Carbonara

Ingredients:

  • 200 grams spaghetti
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 40 grams Parmesan cheese
  • 150 grams pancetta or bacon
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Olive oil

Preparation: Whisk the egg yolks with Parmesan cheese and pepper. Cut the pancetta into small pieces, saving the rind. Cook the spaghetti in salted water, saving a bit of the cooking water. Rub the bottom of a pan with the pancetta rind.Peel and crush the garlic, then add it to the heated pan. Let it infuse for a minute, then add the pancetta and cook until it becomes slightly crispy. Remove the garlic from the pan, add the pasta, and stir. Remove the pan from the heat, add a little of the reserved pasta water, season with pepper, and pour in the egg mixture. Stir well, adding more pasta water if needed.

caramelized_popcorn_delicious_dessert
Caramelized popcorn is delicious and modern dessert

Sweet Dishes on Board: Quick and Delicious Desserts

Caramelized Popcorn

Ingredients:

  • 100 g roasted popcorn
  • Salt
  • 120 g butter
  • 200 g brown sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking soda

Preparation:
Lightly salt the roasted popcorn. Melt the butter in a saucepan with a thick bottom over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stop stirring and let it simmer on low heat until the sugar dissolves and the caramel turns a nice golden color. Remove from heat, add the vanilla extract, stir, and then add the baking soda. Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and gently stir to coat each piece evenly with caramel. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the caramelized popcorn in an even layer. Let it cool. Once cooled, transfer to bowls or paper bags and serve.

apple_fritters
Apple Fritters - traditional dish that can be prepared in the blink of an eye

Apple Fritters

Ingredients:

  • Yogurt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 apple
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 vanilla sugar
  • 2 tbsp rum
  • 16 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Oil

Preparation: Peel and grate the apple. In a bowl, mix the eggs with yogurt, rum, and grated apples. Add sugar and the dry ingredients: baking powder, flour, and vanilla sugar. Stir until you get a smooth batter. Scoop the batter with a spoon and fry the fritters on both sides in hot oil in a deep pan. While they’re still hot, sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

We hope we’ve inspired you to prepare quick and delicious meals on board if you decide to embark on a sailing adventure. From grilled dishes and seafood preparations to simple salads – there’s something for everyone’s taste. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, try the flavored popcorn or apple fritters – we’re sure you won’t regret it. 

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