What to Serve with a Seafood Platter for Dinner

Seafood Platter Recipe

Get ready to dive into pure ocean bliss with this Seafood Platter Recipe! Imagine a stunning spread of fresh, succulent seafood—crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and more—beautifully arranged and ready to impress. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a luxurious treat at home, this seafood platter will turn any gathering into something unforgettable. Trust me, the flavors are so fresh and vibrant, it’ll feel like a seaside feast right in your own kitchen. 🌊🍤

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Entertaining: A show-stopping centerpiece that will wow your guests every time.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Packed with bright, ocean-fresh flavors and served with zesty dips and lemon wedges.
• Customizable: Mix and match your favorite seafood for the ultimate personalized experience.
• Easy Elegance: Looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to put together with a few quality ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your ultimate seafood masterpiece:

• Cooked Shrimp: Juicy and sweet, perfect for dipping into cocktail sauce.
• Crab Legs: Rich, buttery meat that’s the star of any platter.
• Oysters on the Half Shell: Briny and fresh, ideal for slurping with a dash of lemon.
• Lobster Tails: Sweet and tender, a luxurious addition.
• Smoked Salmon: Silky texture with a deep, smoky flavor.
• Clams or Mussels: Delicate and flavorful, adding variety to the platter.
• Lemon Wedges: A fresh burst of citrus to balance the richness of the seafood.
• Fresh Herbs: Dill, parsley, or chives for a pop of color and aroma.
• Cocktail Sauce: A classic, tangy dip for shrimp and crab.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: Perfect for dipping crab legs or lobster.
• Tartar Sauce: Creamy and tangy, perfect for fried or chilled seafood.
• Ice and Garnishes: Crushed ice to keep everything chilled and lemon slices for a fresh, zesty finish.

Note: Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.

How to Make the Seafood Platter

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Start by making sure all seafood is fresh, cleaned, and ready to go. Cook shrimp, lobster tails, crab legs, or any other seafood as needed. Chill everything in the refrigerator before assembling the platter.

Step 2: Shuck the Oysters

If you’re including oysters, shuck them carefully and place them on half shells. Keep them chilled on crushed ice to maintain their freshness.

Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Sauces

Whip up your sauces—cocktail sauce, garlic butter, and tartar sauce. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor of each dip.

Step 4: Assemble the Platter

On a large serving tray, spread a layer of crushed ice. Arrange the seafood beautifully around the tray, grouping similar items together. Add lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and sauce bowls around the platter for visual appeal.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by garnishing with extra herbs and lemon slices. Serve immediately while everything is still fresh and chilled.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use the Freshest Seafood: Always buy your seafood from a trusted source for the best flavor and safety.
• Keep It Cold: Serve on a bed of crushed ice to keep everything fresh and chilled.
• Vary the Textures: Include a mix of shellfish, smoked fish, and even fried seafood for a diverse and exciting platter.
• Balance the Flavors: Offer a variety of dips and sauces to complement the seafood’s natural flavors.

How to Serve

Here’s how to serve this indulgent seafood platter for maximum enjoyment:

• Elegant Presentation: Serve on a large chilled platter or tray with plenty of ice underneath.
• With Sides: Pair with a light green salad, crusty baguette, or seasoned fries for a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco for a refreshing pairing.
• Garnishes: Add slices of cucumber, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs for an elevated presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Seafood should be consumed as fresh as possible, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Most cooked seafood can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, oysters and other raw shellfish are best enjoyed fresh and should not be frozen after being shucked.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or in a steamer to avoid overcooking. Avoid reheating delicate seafood like oysters and smoked salmon—serve those chilled.

Sauces and Dips for Extra Flavor

No seafood platter is complete without flavorful sauces. Explore options like sauces and dips for seafood platters to enhance the experience:

• Tartar Sauce: A classic creamy mix for fried or grilled seafood.
• Spicy Cocktail Sauce: Perfect for shrimp or oysters.
• Garlic Aioli: A rich and garlicky dip that pairs well with crab and fish.

• Variations of Seafood Platters

  • Cold Platters: Include shrimp, oysters, crab legs, and smoked salmon on crushed ice.
  • Grilled Platters: Combine grilled fish, scallops, and prawns with charred lemon halves for a smoky touch.
  • International Styles: For Mediterranean flair, include octopus, hummus, and tzatziki. Explore more unique seafood ideas in recipes like how to cook snow crab legs from frozen.

FAQs

1. What seafood should I include in a seafood platter?
   You can include a variety of options like shrimp, crab legs, oysters, lobster tails, smoked salmon, mussels, or clams. The key is to mix textures and flavors for the ultimate seafood experience.

2. How do I keep seafood fresh on a platter?
   Serve your seafood on a bed of crushed ice and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the seafood fresh and safe to eat.

3. Can I prepare the platter ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare and cook the seafood ahead of time, but assemble the platter just before serving to ensure freshness and the best presentation.

4. What sauces go well with a seafood platter?
   Classic sauces like cocktail sauce, garlic butter, and tartar sauce are perfect choices. You can also serve aioli, lemon herb dressing, or a spicy remoulade for variety.

This Seafood Platter Recipe is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any special occasion—or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly special. With fresh, vibrant flavors and a stunning presentation, it’s sure to make waves at your next gathering! 🌊🦞🍤

What to Serve with a Seafood Platter for Dinner

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• Author: thomes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 people 1x

See also  Cook Wagyu Ground Beef

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Description

Dive into a luxurious and refreshing Seafood Platter—a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings. Featuring a delightful assortment of fresh seafood like shrimp, oysters, crab legs, and mussels, this platter is served chilled on a bed of ice with zesty lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and creamy aioli. It’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress every seafood lover at the table!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Seafood Assortment:

  • 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lb king crab legs, cooked and split
  • 1 dozen fresh oysters, shucked
  • 1 lb cooked lobster tails, halved
  • 1 lb mussels, steamed
  • 1 lb clams, steamed
  • 1 cup smoked salmon slices

• Garnishes and Extras:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh parsley
  • Crushed ice for serving

• Dipping Sauces:

  • 1 cup cocktail sauce
  • 1/2 cup garlic aioli
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup tartar sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Base:

   • Cover a large serving tray with crushed ice to keep the seafood chilled.

2. Cook the Seafood:

   • Steam mussels and clams until they open (about 5 minutes). Discard any that don’t open.
   • Boil the lobster tails and king crab legs for about 8–10 minutes or until heated through.

3. Arrange the Seafood:

   • Neatly arrange shrimp, crab legs, oysters, lobster tails, mussels, clams, and smoked salmon on the tray over the ice.

4. Add Garnishes:

   • Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle chopped parsley on top.

5. Serve with Sauces:

   • Place dipping sauces in small bowls and arrange them around the platter.

6. Chill & Serve:

   • Keep the platter chilled until ready to serve for maximum freshness.

Notes

• Use only the freshest seafood for the best flavor.
• You can customize the platter by adding scallops, octopus, or other seafood varieties.
• Add edible seaweed for an elegant touch.
• Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage for a luxurious dining experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer / Main Course
• Method: : Boiling / Steaming / Chilling
• Cuisine: International

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg