After Testing 17 Cooking Methods, Red Lobster Chose This One - Tasting Table

Red Lobster is known for seafood and Cheddar Bay biscuits, and introduced a new cooking method in 2008 after research. Wood-fired grilling was chosen from 17 styles because it allows seafood’s natural flavors to come through rather than being masked by frying batter and heavy seasoning. The rollout included eight new menu items such as wood-grilled scallops, wood-grilled sirloin and shrimp, and wood-grilled lobster, along with combo plates and barbecue dishes. Wood-fired grilling adds smokiness and varies flavor based on the type of wood used, and it requires expertise and a delicate touch. The change also added certified “grill masters” to each restaurant, and the method can be replicated at home with fresh seafood and appropriate equipment.

"Out of 17 different styles, wood-fired grilling was chosen. Whereas other options like frying often mask the flavor of seafood under excess batter and seasoning, wood-fired grilling was selected because it best allows the natural flavors of seafood to shine through. The rollout of Red Lobster's wood-fired grilling was heralded with eight new menu items, among which were wood-grilled scallops, wood-grilled sirloin and shrimp, wood-grilled lobster, and several other combo plates and barbecue dishes."

"There's a lot to consider about the differences between charcoal, wood, and gas grilling, particularly when working with seafood. Each style will affect the overall taste and texture of the meal with wood-fired grilling infusing the food with a smokiness and the specific flavors of the type of wood used. Seafood being Red Lobster's mainstay, it's logical that the restaurant picked a style of grilling that requires a certain level of expertise and a delicate touch, giving an elevated flair to its fare."

"What's more, this upgrade to Red Lobster's kitchens also added a number of certified "grill masters" to each restaurant. Trying a homemade take on Red Lobster's wood-fired grilled seafood. This cooking method, which first graced Red Lobster kitchens nearly two decades ago, can be replicated at home with the right ingredients and equipment."

"Start with your favorite fresh seafood, such as lobster tails, shrimp, and scallops, and get to grilling. It would also behoove you to grab a package of Cheddar Bay biscuit mix."

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