Whether you fancy steamed lobster with drawn butter, oysters on the half shell or grilled wild salmon, seafood is ideal for entertaining. It's quick and easy to prepare—not to mention healthful and delicious.

But with so many fish in the sea, home cooks might feel a bit overwhelmed about buying and cooking seafood. The guidelines are simple: Start with what's freshest in your market and prepare the fish in ways that highlight its inherent flavors and textures. Embellished with a quick pan sauce, a garden-fresh salsa or a piquant dipping sauce, a seafood dish becomes a special meal.

Here you'll find all the information you need to prepare a seafood dinner—from tips on grilling fish to recommended wines for various types of seafood.