Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and if you’re planning a backyard BBQ, family gathering, or seafood feast, you may already be asking yourself the big question:
What to Grill for Memorial Day Weekend
The answer? Fresh Alaska seafood, premium steaks, and easy crowd-pleasing favorites that feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
At New Sagaya Markets, Memorial Day weekend is all about bringing people together around incredible food. This year, we’re highlighting some of our favorite grilling essentials, including:
- Fresh Hawaiian ahi tuna steaks
- Giant jumbo shrimp
- Ribeye steaks
- Fresh-baked sourdough bread
- Seasonal produce and BBQ sides
Whether you’re hosting a full cookout or just grilling dinner for family, these Memorial Day grilling ideas bring serious Alaska summer energy to your table.
Why Seafood Belongs on the Grill This Memorial Day
When most people think of Memorial Day grilling, burgers and hot dogs usually come to mind first.
But Alaska seafood on the grill? That’s where things get unforgettable.
Grilling seafood gives you:
- Quick cook times
- Bold natural flavor
- Lighter summer meals
- Restaurant-quality results at home
And according to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, wild Alaska seafood is known worldwide for its sustainability, quality, and clean flavor profile.
If you’ve never built your Memorial Day menu around seafood before, this is your sign.
Ahi Tuna Steaks: The Ultimate Memorial Day Grill Upgrade
Fresh Hawaiian ahi tuna steaks are one of the easiest and most impressive things you can throw on the grill.
They cook in minutes, pair perfectly with smoky BBQ flavors, and instantly elevate your backyard cookout.
How to Grill Ahi Tuna Steaks
The key is high heat and a short cook time.
For best results:
- Pat tuna steaks dry
- Brush lightly with oil
- Season simply with salt, pepper, garlic, or sesame seasoning
- Grill 1–2 minutes per side over high heat
You want the center to stay rare or medium-rare for the best texture and flavor.
The result is smoky on the outside, buttery in the middle, and perfect for warm-weather entertaining.
Memorial Day Tuna Pairing Ideas
Serve grilled ahi tuna with:
- Wasabi mayo
- Grilled pineapple salsa
- Asian cucumber salad
- Rice or soba noodles
- Charred lemon wedges
You can also slice grilled tuna over greens for a lighter Memorial Day meal option.
Looking for more premium seafood options? Explore the seafood department at New Sagaya Markets.
Jumbo Shrimp on the Grill = Instant Summer Energy
Nothing says backyard BBQ season quite like giant grilled shrimp.
Jumbo shrimp cook quickly, absorb flavor beautifully, and are perfect for Memorial Day gatherings because they’re easy to serve and universally loved.
Best Ways to Grill Jumbo Shrimp
You can:
- Skewer them
- Grill in a basket
- Cook directly on the grates
For flavor, try:
- Garlic butter
- Cajun seasoning
- Lemon herb marinade
- Chili lime glaze
According to the grilling experts at Weber, shrimp only need about 2–3 minutes per side before they’re perfectly cooked.
Overcooking is the only real mistake.
Memorial Day Serving Ideas for Shrimp
Pair grilled shrimp with:
- Sourdough bread
- Corn on the cob
- Pasta salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh watermelon
- Citrus slaw
Or build seafood skewers with shrimp, peppers, onions, and pineapple for an easy Memorial Day crowd favorite.
Ribeye Steaks: The Classic BBQ Favorite
If you’re wondering what to grill for Memorial Day weekend that feels traditional and indulgent, ribeye steaks are always the answer.
Ribeyes have incredible marbling, rich flavor, and grill beautifully with minimal effort.
How to Grill Ribeye Steaks Perfectly
For the best steak:
- Let steaks come to room temperature
- Season generously with salt and pepper
- Use high heat
- Let them rest after cooking
The USDA steak temperature guide recommends:
- 145°F for medium rare
- 160°F for medium
A meat thermometer is your best friend here.
Memorial Day Steak Pairings
Serve ribeyes with:
- Grilled asparagus
- Garlic butter mushrooms
- Crispy potatoes
- Chimichurri sauce
- Toasted sourdough bread
And if you really want the ultimate surf-and-turf Memorial Day spread?
Pair ribeye steaks with jumbo grilled shrimp or ahi tuna.
That’s the kind of cookout people remember.
The Alaska Seafood Cookout Vibe
There’s something different about an Alaska-inspired BBQ.
It feels fresher.
Cleaner.
More elevated.
Instead of heavy cookout food, you get bright flavors, premium seafood, smoky grilled meats, and ingredients that actually shine on their own.
At New Sagaya, Memorial Day weekend grilling is about:
- Wild seafood
- Quality ingredients
- Fresh produce
- Great bread
- Easy entertaining
You don’t need complicated recipes when the ingredients are already excellent.
Don’t Forget the Bread and Sides
A great Memorial Day grill spread isn’t just about protein.
Fresh-baked sourdough bread is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your BBQ table.
Use it for:
- Garlic toast on the grill
- Steak sandwiches
- Shrimp po’ boys
- Seafood crostini
- Dipping into melted butter or sauces
Fresh fruit and seasonal produce also help balance richer grilled foods.
Grilled peaches, watermelon salads, corn, and crisp greens all pair beautifully with seafood and steak.
Easy Memorial Day Hosting Tips
If you’re hosting this weekend, keep things simple.
1. Grill Foods with Different Cook Times
Start with steaks, then finish shrimp and tuna closer to serving time.
2. Prep Marinades Ahead
Seafood benefits from quick marinades prepared earlier in the day.
3. Create a DIY Sauce Station
Offer:
- Garlic butter
- Chimichurri
- Lemon aioli
- Soy ginger glaze
- Cocktail sauce
4. Keep the Menu Balanced
Mix rich items like ribeye with lighter seafood and fresh sides.
5. Don’t Overthink It
Some of the best Memorial Day meals are simple:
great ingredients + grill marks + good company.
Why Memorial Day Weekend Is Perfect for Seafood
Seafood grilling is ideal for Memorial Day because:
- It cooks quickly
- Keeps kitchens cool
- Feels seasonal
- Works for small or large gatherings
- Creates a more elevated BBQ experience
And honestly?
A platter of grilled Alaska seafood feels a lot more exciting than another tray of hot dogs.
Shop Memorial Day Grilling Favorites at New Sagaya
If you’re still deciding what to grill for Memorial Day weekend, start with quality ingredients.
This weekend at New Sagaya Markets, we’re featuring:
- Fresh Hawaiian ahi tuna steaks
- Giant jumbo shrimp
- Premium ribeye steaks
- Fresh sourdough bread
- Seasonal produce and specialty grocery favorites
Whether you’re planning a full backyard BBQ, seafood feast, or simple family dinner, we’ve got everything you need to grill something unforgettable.
Stop by New Sagaya and make this Memorial Day weekend taste like summer in Alaska!
