Alabama’s top chefs have a chance to showcase their skills in the 10th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off, set for May 5, 2025, at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The competition, now hosted by Sweet Grown Alabama, will feature four chefs competing for the title and a chance to represent Alabama at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.

Chefs across the state are encouraged to submit their best seafood recipe by April 1, 2025, for consideration. A panel of judges will evaluate submissions and select four finalists based on creativity, ingredient harmony, and overall dish composition. The chosen chefs will then compete live, preparing their dishes in front of a panel of industry experts.

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For the first time, chefs must include both Alabama Gulf seafood and a locally grown ingredient in their dish. This change highlights the best of Alabama’s local food industry, from fresh seafood to farm-grown produce, honey, and other agricultural products.

What’s at Stake?

• $2,500 cash prize for the winner
• Trophy and recognition as Alabama’s top seafood chef
• Automatic entry into the Great American Seafood Cook-Off
• Statewide and national publicity

How to Enter:
Chefs can submit their recipe, name, restaurant affiliation, and contact details via email to aisling@sweetgrownalabama.org. Recipes must be complete and detail all ingredients and preparation steps.

The competition follows a blind judging process, meaning judges will not see chefs’ names or restaurant affiliations during recipe selection. Finalists will be announced by April 4, 2025.

What to Expect on Competition Day:

• One hour to prepare and plate six portions of your dish
• Judging based on presentation, creativity, harmony of ingredients, craftsmanship, and flavor
• Cooking stations equipped with two portable burners, a shared oven, and a shared fryer
• A high-energy event at The Wharf, a premier Gulf Coast destination

Why Enter?
Winning the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off is more than just a title—it’s a chance to gain exposure, test your skills against top talent, and represent Alabama on a national stage. The event has launched the careers of previous winners, earning them media attention, new opportunities, and industry respect.

“This competition is a great opportunity to not only highlight Alabama seafood but also the incredible ingredients grown across our state,” said Chris Blankenship, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner.

Chefs who want to make their mark in Alabama’s culinary scene should apply today. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your talent and elevate Alabama Gulf seafood to new heights!

For full competition details, visit Alabama Seafood Cook-Off, or email aisling@sweetgrownalabama.org.