Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition filled with warmth, gratitude, and a dinner table overflowing with delicious food. But what if this year, instead of the traditional Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing, you embarked on a culinary adventure with Thanksgiving seafood ideas that celebrate the sea’s bounty?
Picture this: a seafood-centric menu that tantalizes your taste buds and creates unforgettable memories. Each bite transports you to coastal shores, from succulent shrimp to buttery lobster and delicate scallops. Buckle up for an extraordinary feast like no other!
Read on for starters, entrees, sides, soup, and pasta recipes.
Appetizers: Crab Dip, Seafood Platter, Seafood-stuffed Mushrooms and more
If you want to kick off your seafood Thanksgiving feast with mouthwatering appetizers, we’ve got you covered! Indulge in the delectable flavors of crab, lobster, or scallops that will leave your taste buds begging for more. These mini bites are packed with tender meat and flavorful add-ins, making them a crowd pleaser.
Here are some tips to make sure your seafood appetizers turn out perfectly:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh seafood is the best way to achieve high-quality flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook: Seafood can become tough if cooked for too long, so keep an eye on cooking times.
- Pair with wine: A crisp white wine pair beautifully with seafood appetizers.
- Read reviews: Before trying a new recipe, check out reviews from other cooks for tips and modifications.
So go ahead, hang up Thanksgiving banners, and get creative with your seafood appetizers to make this Thanksgiving a special occasion. Your guests will be raving about these delicious starters long after the holiday!
Seafood Appetizers for Thanksgiving this Year
Easy-to-make seafood appetizers are a great way to start your Thanksgiving meal. Whether you serve clam dip, smoked salmon, or shrimp deviled eggs, a delicious seafood starter will set the tone for a delicious feast.
Baked Clam Dip
Dive into the party with Baked Clam Dip—creamy, briny goodness that pairs perfectly with crispy crackers. Imagine the rich flavor of clams mingling with cheese in a warm, irresistible dip.
Seafood Platter
Say hello to the star of the appetizer table—Seafood Platter. A tempting array of shrimp, crab, and smoked salmon, served with zesty sauces, making it the ultimate seafood lover's dream.
Smoked Salmon Pasta Rosettes
Elevate your appetizer game with Smoked Salmon Pasta Rosettes. Delicate smoked salmon wrapped around pasta, creating elegant bites that burst with the flavors of the sea.
Creamy Crab Dip
Crab Dip, a creamy concoction that brings the sweet taste of crab to every scoop. Perfectly paired with crunchy bread or veggies, it's a crowd-pleaser that disappears in a blink.
Shrimp Deviled Eggs
Kick off your feast with Shrimp Deviled Eggs—classic deviled eggs with a shrimp twist. Creamy, tangy, and topped with a succulent shrimp, they're a bite-sized delight.
Scallops with Chilli and Lime
Spice up your appetizer spread with Chili Lime Scallops. Imagine plump scallops, seared to perfection with a zesty kick that adds a flavor explosion to every bite.
Shrimp Rangoon Mini Bell Peppers
Shrimp Rangoon, a crispy and creamy delight that combines the goodness of shrimp with the crunch of the classic crab Rangoon. These bite-sized wonders are a must for your seafood-inspired spread.
Smoked Salmon Platter
Create a show-stopping appetizer with the Smoked Salmon Platter—thinly sliced smoked salmon adorned with capers, red onion, and cream cheese. It's a refreshing and elegant addition to your holiday spread.
Seafood Stuffed Mushroom Caps
Indulge in Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms—each bite is a savory explosion of mushrooms filled with a delectable mix of seafood, creating a bite-sized appetizer that leaves a big impression.
Main Dishes: Lobster Oreganata, Holiday Baked Salmon and more
Let main courses like succulent lobster tail, festive baked salmon and more take center stage this Thanksgiving day. Along with a handmade Thanksgiving centerpiece, these seafood main dish ideas will make your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable.
How to Make a Lobster Oreganata
Lobster oreganata is an excellent choice for this time of year if you want to add elegance and please the seafood lover in your life. Learning how to cook lobster is likely easier than you may think.
This delicious dish combines baked lobster meat with a flavorful parsley breadcrumb topping. Put it on your menu as a restaurant-quality dish with a delicious taste and a beautiful appearance you can easily make at home.
Lobster Oreganata Recipe
This simple recipe serves two. Feel free to double or triple as needed.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make lobster oreganata:
- 2 lobster tails
- 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
- ½ cup of red wine (optional)
- ¼ cup of olive oil
Follow these instructions:
- Begin by preheating the oven to 400℉.
- Then, start the prep process by preparing the lobster tails. Start by cutting the shell lengthwise on the belly side.
- Next, place the lobster on a baking sheet and spread out the tail to expose the meat. After that, sprinkle the bread crumbs, cheese, parsley, and wine on top.
- Make sure to spread out your ingredients evenly on the baking sheet. Once that’s done, drizzle the olive oil on top and bake the dish in the oven.
- The lobster should only take about 15 to 20 minutes to cook. However, cooking time can vary depending on the size of the tails.
How to Make Holiday Baked Salmon
For a festive and delicious main course, try making baked salmon. Baking salmon in the oven gives it a beautifully caramelized crust while keeping the flesh moist and succulent. It’s another gourmet-quality dish that you can easily prepare at home.
Furthermore, salmon pairs well with most other dishes, so you can please a crowd while customizing the menu to your preference.
Does your oven need a cleaning? Give it a review before inviting everybody over.
Holiday Baked Salmon Recipe
Simple, savory, and a surefire win, baked salmon brings a touch of elegance to your holiday spread without the fuss. Arrange handmade rolled beeswax candles on the table and snap a few pictures of the beauty before enjoying the meal.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make holiday baked salmon:
- 2 pounds of whole salmon filet
- 1 cup of pomegranate juice
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 thinly sliced shallots
- ½ teaspoon of minced rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these instructions:
- Start by preheating your oven to 450℉. Then, you can move on to making your sauce. Whisk the pomegranate juice, honey, mustard, and garlic in a large bowl.
- After that, grab a large saucepan and drizzle in the olive oil. As soon as it heats up, add in the shallots. Allow them to cook down until they’re caramelized and golden brown.
- Next, add the rosemary and pomegranate liquid. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- At this point, you can add the salt and pepper to taste. Then, pour your mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet and set it aside. With your sauce ready, you can turn your attention to the salmon.
- Begin by patting the fish dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Next, sprinkle an even amount of salt and pepper all over the filet. After that, place your salmon in the middle of the baking sheet, skin-side down, and pop it in the oven for 7 minutes.
- You can spoon some of the sauce on top of the fish as it bakes. Then, flip the salmon and let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, serve with a generous helping of sauce on each portion.
Roast Turkey Who? Dive into Delectable Seafood Entrees for Thanksgiving
These seafood stars will make your Thanksgiving table a feast to remember. No need for fancy skills—just simple, tasty dishes that'll have your family hooked on a new holiday tradition. Let's dive into a Thanksgiving with a coastal twist!
Miso Sea Bass
Elevate your dining experience with Miso Sea Bass—a dish that marries the buttery richness of sea bass with the umami kick of miso. Imagine tender, flaky fish bathed in a savory miso glaze, creating a main course that's both sophisticated and simple to prepare.
Easy Seafood Paella
Easy Seafood Paella is an effortless yet flavorful dish that brings together a medley of seafood, rice, and aromatic spices. Picture a vibrant, one-pan creation that captures the essence of paella, making it a standout main dish for your seafood-inspired feast.
Side Dishes: Crab Cakes and more
To truly elevate your seafood Thanksgiving feast, it’s essential to have some delectable side dishes that perfectly complement your main dishes. One fantastic option is crab cakes.
How to Make Crab Cakes
Even though this recipe calls for many ingredients, it couldn’t be simpler to prepare. All you have to do is add all the ingredients into a bowl and combine them.
Crab Cakes Recipe
Here’s your ticket to crispy, finger-licking bliss.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make crab cakes:
- 1 pound of fresh lump crab meat
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup of mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup of saltine cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
- 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of allspice
- Pinch of salt
Follow these instructions:
- Fold the mixture gently. Remember, crab meat can be fragile, so you don’t want to turn it into a paste.
- Next, pop the bowl into your fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will firm up the mixture and make it easier to shape.
- Use a half-cup measuring spoon to portion your batter into six mounds. Then, use your hands to shape them into balls and place the cakes onto a baking sheet.
- Bake in a 450℉ oven for 12 to 14 minutes.
Vegetable Side Dish Options That Pair Perfectly with Seafood
In addition to seafood sides, there are plenty of vegetable side dishes that will complement your seafood Thanksgiving spread:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Garlic-Dill Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic-infused butter and fresh dill for a burst of flavor.
- White Wine Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with white wine, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Flavors on the Side: Irresistible Seafood Thanksgiving Sides
These easy recipes add a touch of coastal elegance to your holiday feast. Bring briny delights to your Thanksgiving table as side dishes that'll have your family asking for seconds. Because who said the main course gets to have all the fun? Get ready for a side dish experience that's simply seafoodlicious!
Crab Salad
Break free from the ordinary with Crab Salad, a refreshing blend of crab meat, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing that adds both flavor and elegance to your Thanksgiving spread without stealing the spotlight.
Spicy Cranberry Shrimp
Add a spicy twist to your feast with Spicy Cranberry Shrimp. Picture plump shrimp drenched in a vibrant, spicy cranberry sauce—a tantalizing side that strikes the perfect balance between bold and festive flavors.
Mirliton: Cajun Breadcrumb Dressing With Shrimp And Ham
This Mirliton Dressing, a timeless Cajun favorite, showcases chayote squash, succulent shrimp, cubed ham, bread crumbs, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Bursting with deliciousness and flavor, it's the perfect Thanksgiving side dish to elevate your holiday feast.
Stuffed Deviled Crab
Seafood Soup: Seafood Stew and more
Get ready to warm your body and delight your taste buds with seafood soup recipes. Each spoonful is a journey into a world of rich flavors and cozy goodness, making these seafood soups the perfect addition to your chilly evenings or festive gatherings.
How to Make Seafood Stew
Thanksgiving is usually a family affair. So, you need a dish that’s easy to prepare, can feed a crowd, and won’t break the bank.
This seems like a tall order, but it’s not impossible. With this seafood stew, you can simmer a pot of ingredients until soft and tender and cross off all three requirements.
Seafood Stew Recipe
Think of a hearty broth teeming with a medley of fresh seafood swimming together in harmony.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make seafood stew:
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 3 cups of marinara sauce
- 3 cups of Fra Diavolo sauce
- 2 cups of chopped roasted red peppers
- 2 pounds of firm white fish
- 1 pound of extra large fresh shrimp
- 1 pound of scallops
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these instructions:
- Add the broth, marinara, and Fra Diavolo sauce into a large saucepan.
- Then, place it on the stove and stir until the mixture simmers. Next, add in the peppers, fish, shrimp, and scallops.
- After that, cover the saucepan and let the stew simmer until the seafood cooks all the way through.
- Finally, plate up the dish and enjoy your hearty holiday meal for the Thanksgiving feast.
Shore to Please: Tantalizing Seafood Soup Options for Thanksgiving
From hearty seafood stews brimming with the catch of the day to clam chowder that's a bowlful of comfort, we're serving up liquid love from the ocean. Seafood stews provide a refreshing alternative to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner while maintaining that comforting feeling we crave during the holiday season.
Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder
Warm up your Thanksgiving with Nova Scotia Seafood Chowder—a hearty mix of the ocean's bounty, featuring a medley of fresh seafood in a rich, comforting broth. Imagine each spoonful bringing the essence of the maritime to your table, with chunks of fish, succulent scallops, and plump shrimp.
Oyster Stew
Add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving spread with Oyster Stew. Picture creamy broth, brimming with plump oysters, creating a luxurious soup that's both rich in flavor and steeped in tradition.
Pasta Seafood Recipes
By incorporating seafood into pasta, you can create a Thanksgiving menu that is both unique and satisfying. Your guests will be delighted by these flavorful seafood dishes that bring a touch of elegance to your holiday feast.
Thanksgiving Twirl: Fill Your Feast with Seafood Pasta
Get ready to twirl your forks and savor a seafood-infused Thanksgiving with these pasta seafood recipes. We're talking about dishes that marry the richness of pasta with the briny goodness of the sea, creating a symphony of flavors on your holiday table.
Spicy Scallop Scampi
Whip up a holiday-worthy treat with Spicy Scallop Scampi—an impressive dish ready in just 20 minutes. Imagine perfectly seared scallops coated in a luscious sauce of garlic, lemon, white wine, and butter, adding a burst of flavor to your festive table.
Sauce for Lobster Ravioli
Pair this delightful recipe with delicate lobster, combining the richness of seafood with the vibrant notes of garlic, butter, lemon, white wine, and sage. Simply grab your preferred seafood ravioli, bake it to perfection, and serve it drenched in this savory sauce for an enjoyable holiday feast.
Baked Fish Ravioli from Liguria
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with homemade baked fish ravioli, accompanied by a seafood symphony of shrimps, mussels, calamari, and clams. It's a delicious fusion that brings a taste of the ocean to your plate, making for an upscale and unforgettable holiday meal.
Seafood Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops
Savor the simplicity of a delectable Seafood Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops—a dish that effortlessly combines the succulence of shrimp and the tenderness of scallops in a delightful pasta ensemble. Picture perfectly cooked seafood, mingling with al dente pasta strands, all coated in a flavorful sauce.
The Ultimate Seafood Thanksgiving
Now that you have all these amazing recipes, it’s time to cook! Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and dive into creating a memorable seafood Thanksgiving experience.
Finish the feast with easy Thanksgiving pie recipes and a cup of flavorful fall coffee for dessert. Or, since you’re already being so alternative, skip the pie and serve apple desserts instead.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to each dish. Remember, this is all about enjoying good food with loved ones.
FAQs
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood based on your preferences or what’s available in your area. You can easily swap out one type of fish for another or even mix different varieties together for added flavor.
Some of the dishes can be prepared ahead of time, while others are best enjoyed fresh. For example, soups and certain side dishes can be made a day or two before Thanksgiving to save time on the big day. However, dishes like baked salmon are best cooked just before serving to maintain their optimal taste and texture.
You bet! Seafood pairs wonderfully with a variety of wines. Opt for crisp and refreshing white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for white fish dishes. If you’re serving richer seafood dishes like lobster bisque, a buttery Chardonnay or sparkling wine can complement the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget to also offer non-alcoholic options for those who prefer them.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration!
Hayley
Monday 30th of October 2023
What a wonderful seafood thanksgiving recipes, so many to choose from. That creamy dip sounds so good.
Lauren Harris
Sunday 29th of October 2023
My Italian mother started adding seafood to our Thanksgiving spread awhile back. I always forget that it's tradition - I need to add 1 or 2 of these recipe t his year - they all look SO good!
Easy Homemade Life
Friday 3rd of November 2023
Thanks, Lauren. Let us know which ones you end up choosing.
Jacqueline Debono
Sunday 29th of October 2023
This is a fab seafood recipe roundup. So many recipes I'd like to make. Thanks so much for including my fish ravioli and smoked salmon pasta rosettes. I will definitely be sharing this collection and trying the chowder recipe to start!
Easy Homemade Life
Friday 3rd of November 2023
The chowder is fabulous. As are your rosettes! Thank you Jacqueline.
Tammy
Saturday 28th of October 2023
Lots of wonderful ideas here. I think the seafood appetizers are a wonderful idea. I do love the traditional Thanksgiving dinner but a shrimp cocktail is always nice!
Easy Homemade Life
Friday 3rd of November 2023
Always room for a shrimp cocktail ;) Thanks for the comments, Tammy.
Kathryn
Thursday 26th of October 2023
I love all of these seafood recipes! They would be great for Christmas too :) So many delicious ideas!!
Easy Homemade Life
Friday 3rd of November 2023
Yes, Kathryn! Christmas too. I have them listed and ready for all the holiday parties coming up.