As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking for ways to make our gatherings more memorable and delicious. For those who love seafood, there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by serving up some mouth-watering dishes that feature the stars of the sea. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just want to add some extra flair to your holiday meal, these 20 festive Christmas seafood recipes are sure to impress.
From classic favorites like shrimp scampi and lobster thermidor to more adventurous options like seafood-stuffed bell peppers and tuna tartare with avocado, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead and get cooking – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
This classic Italian-American dish is a staple for good reason – succulent shrimp smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s ready in under 15 minutes. Serve with linguine or fettuccine for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add butter, garlic, and shrimp; cook for 2-3 minutes or until pink and cooked through.
3. If using white wine and lemon juice, add them to the skillet and stir to combine; simmer for an additional minute.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lobster Thermidor
A decadent and indulgent seafood dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole lobster (about 2 pounds), cooked and chilled
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup cognac (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the lobster in half lengthwise and remove the tail meat.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add white wine, cognac (if using), lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Place the lobster tail meat in a baking dish and pour the thermidor sauce over it.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this mouthwatering seafood-stuffed mushroom recipe. A medley of succulent shrimp, scallops, and crab meat fills earthy mushroom caps, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (any variety)
– 1/2 cup freshly cooked shrimp
– 1/4 cup chopped scallops
– 2 tablespoons crab meat
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, scallops, crab meat, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the seafood mixture, dividing it evenly among the caps.
4. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Christmas Crab Dip
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this creamy, crabby dip that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. Perfect for parties or snacking on while watching your favorite holiday movies.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup of lump crab meat (jumbo lump or claw meat works well)
– 1/4 cup of chopped green onions (scallions)
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
– 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese and crab meat until well combined.
3. Stir in green onions, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning.
4. Transfer mixture to a baking dish or small cast-iron skillet.
5. If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle on top of dip.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until warm and bubbly.
7. Serve with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Salmon with Honey Glaze
Elevate your grilled salmon game with a sweet and sticky honey glaze that adds depth and complexity to this flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and ginger until well combined.
3. Place salmon fillets on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. During the last minute of cooking, brush the honey glaze all over the salmon.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Shrimp and Crab Ceviche
This ceviche recipe combines succulent shrimp and crab with the brightness of citrus, creating a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for a light and refreshing appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup lump crab meat
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 avocado, diced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, crab meat, lime juice, red onion, and cilantro.
2. Stir gently to combine, making sure all the ingredients are coated with lime juice.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If desired, top with diced avocado for added creaminess.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Ceviche is a raw dish, so no cooking is required.
Baked Cod with Lemon Herb Crust
This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with the delicate taste of cod paired with the brightness of lemon and the earthiness of herbs. It’s an easy and impressive dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush the lemon herb mixture evenly over both sides of the cod.
6. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the cod, dividing them evenly among the four fillets.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Seafood Paella with Saffron
Experience the authentic flavors of Spain with this classic seafood paella recipe infused with the warm, aromatic essence of saffron.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice (Spanish rice)
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, squid), cleaned and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons hot water
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add seafood; cook until pink and slightly caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in saffron mixture, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Add rice to the pan; stir to combine with seafood mixture.
6. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender and golden.
7. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Clam Chowder with Bacon
Warm up with a rich and comforting bowl of clam chowder, smoky bacon adding a delightful depth of flavor. This classic recipe is quick to make and perfect for a cozy evening in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and chopped
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 pint clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings behind.
3. Add the onions and garlic to the pot; cook until the onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle in the flour; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually add the clam juice and heavy cream; bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in the cooked clams and cooked bacon; season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Scallops with Garlic White Wine Sauce
This elegant and flavorful dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Pan-seared scallops are paired with a rich garlic white wine sauce, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse scallops and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add white wine and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce has reduced slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve scallops with garlic white wine sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lobster Bisque with Crème Fraîche
Lobster Bisque with Crème Fraîche Recipe
Summary: This rich and creamy lobster bisque recipe is a decadent treat that combines succulent chunks of lobster meat with aromatics, cognac, and crème fraîche. Serve as an appetizer or main course for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup cognac (optional)
– 1 pound lobster meat (claw and body), diced
– 2 cups fish stock
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons crème fraîche
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add cognac (if using); cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
3. Add lobster meat; cook until opaque, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in fish stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let bisque cook for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
5. Stir in heavy cream and crème fraîche. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoked Salmon Canapés
Elevate your entertaining game with these elegant and flavorful canapés, perfect for your next gathering. Smoked salmon’s rich taste is balanced by the tanginess of cream cheese and the crunch of toasted baguette.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup smoked salmon, flaked
– 1/4 cup softened cream cheese
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 12-16 toasted baguette slices
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together flaked smoked salmon, softened cream cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Stir in chopped fresh dill.
3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the salmon mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required! These canapés are ready to be devoured as soon as you assemble them.
Grilled Oysters with Herb Butter
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the natural sweetness of oysters with the savory flavor of herb butter. Perfect for a summer evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 oysters, scrubbed and patted dry
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, parsley, chives, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. Brush the oysters with a little bit of water and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place oysters on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they open and the edges start to curl.
5. Spread a pat of herb butter on top of each oyster and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes total
Seafood-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Add a touch of seafood flair to your bell pepper game with this delicious recipe! This flavorful dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab), cooked and flaked
– 1/2 cup cooked rice
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together seafood, cooked rice, onion, parsley, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the seafood mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with these flavorful crab cakes, perfectly balanced by a tangy and creamy remoulade sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or as an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb jumbo lump crab meat
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 green onions, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Remoulade Sauce (recipe below)
Remoulade Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, black pepper, green onions, and garlic.
3. Divide mixture into 6-8 portions, depending on desired size. Shape each portion into a round cake.
4. Place cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little olive oil.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve crab cakes with Remoulade Sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Mussels
Savor the rich flavors of the sea with this simple yet indulgent mussel recipe, perfectly paired with a crisp glass of white wine.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed and debearded
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse mussels under cold water, then remove any broken shells.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the mussels to the skillet, stirring to coat with butter and garlic.
4. If using wine, pour it into the skillet and cover with a lid.
5. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until mussels are open and cooked through.
6. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and lemon juice.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Shrimp and Grits with Cheese
Experience the classic Lowcountry comfort food with a rich and creamy twist. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, warm grits, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions with butter, salt, and pepper.
2. In a skillet, sauté shrimp, garlic, and black pepper until pink and cooked through.
3. Combine cooked grits and shrimp mixture; stir in cheddar cheese and heavy cream until melted and smooth.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tuna Tartare with Avocado
Experience the creamy richness of tuna tartare elevated by the velvety smoothness of avocado. This simple yet elegant appetizer is perfect for a warm evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of sushi-grade tuna (6 oz), drained and flaked
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Gently stir until the tuna is coated evenly with the marinade.
3. Cut the avocado into small pieces and set aside.
4. Spoon the tuna mixture onto individual serving plates or a large platter.
5. Top the tuna with diced avocado, arranging it in a decorative pattern if desired.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in 10 minutes or less.
Baked Stuffed Lobster Tails
Elevate your dinner game with this indulgent recipe, featuring succulent lobster tails stuffed with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 lobster tails (1 1/2 to 2 pounds total)
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse lobster tails under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each lobster tail with the mixture, dividing it evenly among the four tails.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the stuffed lobster tails.
6. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and the lobster is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Seafood Linguine in Cream Sauce
This classic Italian-inspired dish combines the flavors of tender seafood, linguine pasta, and a rich cream sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz linguine pasta
– 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and patted dry
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add mixed seafood to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and tender.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with seafood. Bring mixture to simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in reserved pasta water, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked linguine pasta with seafood cream sauce. Toss to coat.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the flavors of the sea this Christmas with these 20 festive seafood recipes. From classic dishes like Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi and Lobster Thermidor, to innovative creations like Seafood-Stuffed Bell Peppers and Tuna Tartare with Avocado, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping main course or a simple yet impressive appetizer, these recipes are sure to impress your holiday guests. So go ahead, get cooking, and make this Christmas one to remember!
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