Easy Food Ideas

3 Chefs Kiss Recipes for Your Next Boat Trip

Written by Boatsetter Team
September 6, 2024

Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

Whether its the stop at a tiki bar in between rounds of wake surfing, dock ‘n’ dining at a waterfront restaurant, or enjoying hor d’oeuvres prepared by a private chef, a boat and the right food make for a magical experience. Although some times the best dishes are made by familiar hands. Here are three easy food ideas and recipes perfect for lunch, dinner, or a midday snack on board. They are easy-to-make, impossible to get wrong, and will keep you and your group full and happy.

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Grilled shrimp skewers

With several boats that have grills on board, consider making shrimp skewers for your next boat trip (1). 

Key ingredients

  • Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley and cilantro
  • Salt and pepper

Prepping 

  • Marinate the shrimp: start by combining your shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your chosen herbs in a bowl. Parsley, cilantro, paprika, oregano, and basil are popular choices! Let the mixture marinate for 15-25 minutes.
  • Skewer the marinated shrimps (at least four per skewer)
  • Preheat the grill from medium-high to high at least 10-15 minutes before placing marinated shrimp on the grill.

Grilling instructions

  1. Place skewered shrimp on a preheated grill and cook for about two to three minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink.
  2. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and serve.

Boat-friendly tips

  • Prep in at home. Marinate the shrimp and prepare the skewers at home to minimize prep work on the boat.
  • Use disposable skewers and serving plates to keep cleanup quick and simple.
  • Always stow trash on the boat. Never throw trash overboard. ‘

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Cuban sandwiches

Cuban sandwiches are easy to make and packed with flavor (2). You can enjoy them hot or cold.

Key ingredients

  • Cuban bread (or similar type)
  • Sliced roast pork
  • Ham
  • Swiss cheese
  • Pickles
  • Mustard
  • Butter

Instructions

  1. Assemble the sandwich.  Spread mustard on the inside of the bread and butter on the outside of the bread for a crispy finish. Layer roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles between slices of Cuban bread.
  2. Place the sandwich on the grill, pressing it down with a heavy pan. Grill until bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
  3. Slice the sandwiches into halves or quarters for easy handling on your boat. Serve on paper plates.

Boat-friendly tips

  • Make them at home to bring with you on the boat.
  •  If you don’t have access to a grill, you can still enjoy Cuban sandwiches cold. Simply assemble them at home and pack them in a cooler. They’ll still be delicious and require no additional cooking on the boat.
  • Always stow trash on the boat. Never throw trash overboard.

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Build your own charcuterie board

For a lighter, fully customizable meal, a create-your-own charcuterie board is perfect. Plus, your group can mix-and-match items to build their own plates (3).

Key ingredients

  • A variety of cheeses (soft and hard)
  • Cured meats (like salami, prosciutto, or chorizo)
  • Crackers and sliced bread
  • Fresh fruits (like grapes, apples, and berries)
  • Nuts and olives
  • Spreads (honey, jam, or mustard)

Instructions

  1. Choose your favorite building blocks for a charcuterie board from the list above. Select a mix of cheeses, meats, fruits, and spreads that suit your taste.
  2. Assemble the board starting with the cheeses and meats. Fill in spaces with fruits, nuts, and spreads.
  3. Serve using paper plates or tooth picks.

Boat-friendly tips

  • Pre-slice all ingredients and pack them in airtight containers to keep everything fresh and easy to assemble.
  • We recommend using a non-slip cutting board or platter to keep everything in place, even if the boat rocks a bit.
  • Pack ingredients in reusable containers for an eco-friendly and spill-proof option.
  • Always stow trash on the boat. Never throw trash overboard. ‘

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Content galore

Explore these recommended blogs and start planning a lunch or dinner cruise.

About us 

Boatsetter is the leading online marketplace for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Download the Boatsetter app (App Store | Google Play) and follow us on Instagram

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Footnotes

(1) https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/grilled-shrimp-skewers/#wprm-recipe-container-21700

(2) https://hapanom.com/cuban-sandwich/

(3) https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-make-a-perfect-charcuterie-board


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