September is a beautiful time to be on the North Carolina coast. The summer crowds begin to ease, the days are still warm, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a seafood dinner with family and friends.
If you’re looking for something delicious to bring home from the coast this month, sheepshead is a catch you’ll want to try!
At Motts Channel Seafood in Wrightsville Beach, NC, our selection changes with what’s fresh and available, giving you a chance to discover something new every time you visit. And when sheepshead is at the counter, it’s definitely worth taking home.
What Does Sheepshead Taste Like?
If you’ve never tried sheepshead, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Sheepshead is known for its white, mild, flaky, and tender meat, with a naturally sweet flavor and a slight shellfish taste. It’s delicious enough for a special dinner but mild enough to please the whole family.
And the best part? Sheepshead doesn’t need a complicated recipe.
When you start with quality fish, a few simple ingredients are all you need to create a delicious coastal meal. You can check out the fresh seafood market in Wrightsville Beach to see what varieties are available when you visit.
Easy Baked Sheepshead Recipe with Lemon Butter
Wondering how to cook sheepshead? This easy recipe is a great place to start. Fresh sheepshead, butter, lemon, garlic, and your favorite seafood seasoning come together for a simple, flavorful dinner that lets the fish shine.
Lemon Butter Sheepshead
Ingredients
- 1–1½ pounds fresh sheepshead fillets
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Your favorite seafood seasoning
- Fresh parsley, optional
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Pat the sheepshead fillets dry and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Combine the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Brush the lemon-butter mixture over the fish.
- Sprinkle lightly with your favorite seafood seasoning.
- Bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
That’s it! No complicated preparation and no long list of ingredients—just a simple way to enjoy the natural flavor of sheepshead.
Pair your baked fish with your favorite vegetables, a fresh salad, cheese grits, or one of the locally made sides and seafood meal essentials available at Motts Channel Seafood.
Not sure how to prepare your sheepshead? Just ask! Our experienced seafood team is happy to offer suggestions for selecting and preparing your catch.
Your Entire Seafood Meal Under One Roof
Planning dinner doesn’t have to mean making several stops. At Motts Channel Seafood, you can find what you need to put together a delicious meal all in one place.
Start with sheepshead at the seafood counter, then browse the market for seasonal fresh produce, condiments, locally made sides, marinades, dips, and soups. Whether you’re looking for something to complement your fish or an easy addition to the appetizer table, there are plenty of options to choose from.
It’s an easy way to put together a meal that feels homemade without having to start everything from scratch.
And, of course, there’s dessert.
Save Room for Homemade Key Lime Pie
What’s a coastal seafood dinner without something sweet at the end?
Pick up a homemade Key Lime Pie while you’re shopping and finish your meal with a cool, refreshing favorite. It’s the perfect final touch to a dinner featuring the flavors of the coast.
Fresh fish, delicious sides, and dessert? Sounds like dinner is covered.
For more ideas on preparing fresh seafood at home, visit the Motts Channel Seafood blog for recipes, cooking tips, and seasonal seafood inspiration.
Take a Little Motts Home With You
While you’re at Motts, be sure to visit the Motts Channel Seafood Gifts & Apparel Shop.
Whether you’re searching for a Wrightsville Beach souvenir, a gift for the seafood lover in your life, or something fun for yourself, there’s plenty to explore.
Browse T-shirts, hats, aprons, dish towels, gift cards, youth apparel, and more. It’s an easy way to take home a little reminder of your time at the coast.
You can shop Motts Channel Seafood gifts and apparel online to find shirts, hats, gift cards, kitchen items, and other Motts merchandise.
Make September a Fresh Seafood Month
There’s something special about shopping for seafood locally. You can see what’s available, discover a new favorite, and get inspiration for your next meal.
This September, give sheepshead a try. Its mild, sweet flavor and tender, flaky texture make it an excellent choice for an easy dinner at home.
Pick up your fish, choose a few favorite sides, grab something sweet for dessert, and take a look through the Gifts & Apparel Shop while you’re here. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting Wrightsville Beach for a few days, Motts Channel Seafood makes it easy to enjoy a taste of the coast.
Visit Motts Channel Seafood in Wrightsville Beach
For locals and visitors looking for fresh seafood in Wrightsville Beach, NC, Motts Channel Seafood is a local favorite for fresh catches and everything you need to complete the meal.
Find us at 120 Short Street in Wrightsville Beach, NC, and stop by to see what’s fresh.
Come hungry, leave inspired, and discover your next favorite catch.
Fresh. Local, and ready for your table! At Motts Channel Seafood, we catch it, you cook it!
If you have questions about seafood availability, hours, or what’s currently fresh, contact Motts Channel Seafood before your visit.