Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and enjoying a feast that warms the heart, but let me tell you—there’s something truly magical about celebrating with seafood! This *seafood Thanksgiving* feast is a delightful twist on the traditional turkey spread, and it brings the flavors of the ocean right to your holiday table. Imagine succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and sweet crab meat coming together in a buttery, garlicky dish that everyone will rave about. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a seafood meal during the holidays. It’s festive, fun, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this seafood Thanksgiving feast a truly memorable dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of shrimp, peeled and deveined – Choose large shrimp for that satisfying bite!
- 1 pound of crab meat – Fresh or canned, just make sure it’s the real deal for maximum flavor.
- 1 pound of scallops – I love using sea scallops, but bay scallops work too if that’s what you have.
- 1/2 cup of butter – The secret to that rich, savory base; don’t skimp on it!
- 1 lemon, juiced – Fresh lemon juice brightens up the whole dish.
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced – Garlic is a must for that aromatic flavor that fills your kitchen.
- 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning – This classic seafood seasoning adds a lovely kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste – A simple but essential addition to enhance all those flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish – This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh finish!
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, so you can dive right into the cooking! Happy gathering!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delightful seafood Thanksgiving dish! Follow these simple steps for a delicious feast that’ll wow your guests.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because a hot oven helps cook the seafood evenly and brings out all those fantastic flavors. So go ahead and get that heat going!
Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. The aroma of melting butter is heavenly! Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. This step is so important because it lays the flavorful foundation for your seafood.
Cook the Seafood
Now, it’s time for the star of the show! Add your peeled shrimp, crab meat, and scallops to the skillet. Season everything with Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seafood is opaque and just cooked through. The colors and textures are going to be so vibrant!
Bake the Seafood Mixture
Transfer that delicious seafood mixture into a baking dish. Don’t forget to squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top—this adds such a nice brightness! Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want everything bubbling and perfectly cooked, but not overdone!
Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, garnish your seafood with fresh parsley for that lovely touch of color and flavor. Serve it warm, and trust me, it’s fantastic with a side of crusty bread for dipping into that buttery sauce. Your guests are going to love this festive seafood creation!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you’re curious about the nutritional side of things! Here’s a quick rundown of the estimated values for this delicious seafood Thanksgiving dish:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, knowing you’re enjoying a seafood feast packed with protein while still keeping things light is a win in my book!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This seafood Thanksgiving recipe is a game-changer for your holiday feast, and here’s why:
- Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Flavor-packed with the perfect blend of seafood and spices.
- Light yet satisfying, making it a wonderful alternative to traditional heavy meals.
- Impressive presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.
- Versatile enough to pair with various sides and drinks.
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for all dietary preferences.
Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your holiday celebrations!
Tips for Success
To ensure your seafood Thanksgiving dish turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips:
- Fresh is best: Whenever possible, use fresh seafood. It makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh, make sure you’re buying high-quality frozen options.
- Adjust the seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go! If you love a bit more spice, add extra Old Bay or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Don’t overcook: Seafood can go from perfectly cooked to rubbery in a flash, so keep an eye on it. As soon as it turns opaque, it’s ready to go!
- Pair wisely: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay. And, of course, don’t forget that crusty bread for dipping!
- Make it a meal: Serve this seafood alongside a bright salad or seasonal veggies for a complete meal that balances richness with freshness.
- Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), they can be great in a seafood pasta or on top of a fresh salad the next day.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for a seafood feast that will impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this seafood Thanksgiving feast, I’ve got some delightful suggestions to elevate your meal! To start, a side of crusty bread is a must. It’s perfect for soaking up that buttery, garlicky sauce, and trust me, your guests will be grateful for every last bite.
For beverages, I highly recommend pairing this dish with a chilled white wine. A light and crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a smooth Chardonnay will complement the seafood beautifully without overpowering the flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it with a refreshing sparkling wine for a festive touch!
Additionally, consider adding a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the seafood. A side of roasted seasonal vegetables can also brighten up the plate and provide a lovely contrast in textures. With these pairings, your seafood Thanksgiving will be a memorable and delicious celebration!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen seafood works wonderfully in this seafood Thanksgiving dish. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and great texture. It’s a convenient option if fresh isn’t available!
What other seafood can I add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add lobster, mussels, or even clams. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly as some seafood cooks faster than others. The more, the merrier, right?
How do I know when the seafood is cooked?
The key is to look for that lovely opaque color. If it’s no longer translucent and has a firm texture, it’s done! Overcooking seafood can make it tough, so keep an eye on it.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the seafood mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to add the lemon juice right before baking for the best flavor!
Is this seafood Thanksgiving dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions. Just double-check your seasoning blends to ensure they’re gluten-free as well!
What sides pair well with this dish?
Great question! I recommend serving it with a crunchy green salad, some roasted seasonal veggies, or a side of fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Crusty bread, of course, is a must!
Can I use a different seasoning instead of Old Bay?
Certainly! If Old Bay isn’t your thing, try using Italian seasoning, Cajun spice, or a simple mix of garlic powder and paprika. Just make sure whatever you choose complements the seafood flavors!
How should I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to avoid overcooking the seafood.
Seafood Thanksgiving: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore This Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious seafood feast perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound of crab meat
- 1 pound of scallops
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in shrimp, crab meat, and scallops.
- Season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until seafood is opaque, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer seafood mixture to a baking dish.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the top.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Pair with white wine for a delightful meal.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: seafood thanksgiving, shrimp, crab, scallops, holiday meal
