10+ Seafood Recipes for Delicious Meals at Home
Seafood recipes offer a delicious way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures, bringing the taste of the ocean to your table.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, there are countless seafood dishes to explore that can cater to all skill levels. Cooking with seafood not only provides tasty options, but it also adds healthy nutrients to your diet.
From simple fish fillets to elaborate shellfish dishes, the possibilities are endless. Seafood can be prepared in many ways, including grilling, baking, and sautéing.
By trying out new recipes, you can discover your favorites and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
1) Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is a simple and delicious dish you can make in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or as an appetizer for guests. The combination of garlic and butter brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
To make this dish, start with peeled and deveined shrimp.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic until it’s fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn golden brown on both sides.
You can also add a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor, along with crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Serve it over rice or pasta, or enjoy it on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) cleaned and deveined shrimp
- 1/4 cup (60 g) butter
- 20 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and season with salt.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
- Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp and add red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm.
2) Baltimore-Style Crab Cakes
Baltimore-style crab cakes feature fresh crab meat and very little filler. This allows the sweet crab flavor to shine through. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
To make these crab cakes, you start with lump crab meat, which is the star of the dish. You’ll mix it with some mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings. Then, form the mixture into cakes and pan-fry them until golden brown.
These crab cakes are perfect for a meal or as an appetizer at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine crab meat, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Form the mixture into cakes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Fry the cakes for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3) Maine-Style Lobster Rolls
Maine-style lobster rolls are a classic seafood dish. They feature fresh lobster meat combined with mayonnaise. This mixture is typically served cold.
To prepare, you will need a soft, toasted bun. The lobster salad is piled high in the bun for a delicious bite. You can add a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
These rolls are perfect for a summer meal or a special treat. They are simple to make but offer a taste of the coastline.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh lobster meat, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 soft split-top hot dog buns
- Butter for toasting
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until well-coated.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Toast the buns until golden brown.
- Fill each bun with the lobster mixture and serve.
4) Whole Roasted Branzino
Whole roasted branzino is a delicious and elegant dish. You can easily make it for a special dinner or any night when you want to impress.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Clean the branzino well and pat it dry.
Stuff the fish with lemon slices, fresh herbs, and garlic for great flavor. Place it on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
Cook the fish for about 20 minutes until it is flaky and tender. This method keeps the fish moist and adds tasty Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 whole branzino, cleaned
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Clean and dry the branzino.
- Stuff the fish with lemon, herbs, and garlic.
- Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20 minutes or until flaky.
5) Seafood Paella
Seafood paella is a classic dish from Spain that brings together rice, seafood, and rich flavors. This recipe is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. You can customize it with your favorite seafood.
To make a delicious seafood paella, you’ll need ingredients like rice, saffron, shrimp, and mussels.
Cooking this dish allows you to enjoy the wonderful tastes of the sea. Let the flavors blend together for an amazing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound mussels, cleaned
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups broth (chicken or seafood)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
- Add rice and saffron, stirring for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add shrimp and mussels, cooking until seafood is done.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
6) Creamy Clam Chowder
Creamy clam chowder is a rich and hearty dish. It combines tender clams with a smooth, creamy broth. This comfort food is perfect for chilly days.
To make it, you’ll need clams, potatoes, and bacon for flavor. The addition of heavy cream makes it extra delicious. Fresh herbs like thyme can enhance the taste.
You can serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s a classic recipe that is both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of chopped clams
- 4 slices of bacon
- 2 cups of diced potatoes
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups of fish broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and chop.
- In the same pot, add onions and cook until soft.
- Stir in potatoes and fish broth, simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Add clams, cream, and bacon. Cook until heated through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme before serving.
7) Spicy Shrimp Puttanesca
Spicy Shrimp Puttanesca is a delicious and bold dish that combines shrimp with a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for busy evenings.
Start by heating olive oil in a pan. Then add garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Next, toss in diced tomatoes, olives, and capers.
Once the sauce simmers, add your peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook until they turn pink and are fully cooked, usually about 3-5 minutes.
Serve this vibrant dish over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up all the sauce. Enjoy the mix of flavors!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 anchovy fillets, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
- Add garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, olives, and capers. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook until shrimp are pink (3-5 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve over pasta or with bread.
8) Greek Yogurt-Marinated Salmon
This Greek yogurt-marinated salmon is a tasty and healthy dish. The yogurt helps keep the fish moist and adds a lovely tangy flavor.
To make it, mix Greek yogurt with flavors like chili paste, lemon zest, and salt. Coat your salmon with this mixture and let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the salmon for about 15-20 minutes until it’s cooked through.
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillets
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chili paste, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt.
- Coat the salmon fillets in the mixture.
- Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
9) Grilled Oysters with Lemon Butter
Grilled oysters with lemon butter offer a delicious seafood treat that’s simple to make. You can enjoy this dish at home or impress guests at your next gathering. The smoky flavor from the grill pairs perfectly with the rich butter and zesty lemon.
To start, prepare your oysters by cleaning them well. You can grill them on high heat to enhance their natural flavors. A mixture of butter, lemon juice, and a bit of seasoning makes a tasty topping.
When cooked, the oysters will have a slightly firm texture and a fresh taste. You can serve them right off the grill for a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh oysters
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C).
- Clean the oysters under cold water.
- Mix butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place oysters on the grill, open side up.
- Spoon the butter mixture on each oyster.
- Grill for 5–7 minutes until edges curl.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
10) Etouffee with Mixed Seafood
Etouffee is a delicious dish that brings together the flavors of the sea. When you use mixed seafood, it adds variety and depth to the meal. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy shrimp, crab, and mussels all in one pot.
To start, you will need to make a flavorful roux using butter and flour. This thickens the sauce and gives it a rich taste. You’ll also include classic ingredients like onions, bell peppers, and celery, known as the “Holy Trinity” in Cajun cooking.
Once the roux is ready, add your seafood along with some tomato and spices for extra flavor.
Let everything simmer until the seafood is cooked through.
Serve it over rice for a complete meal that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup flour
- 1 cup shrimp, cleaned
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1 cup mussels, cleaned
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour until it forms a roux.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until soft.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and seafood.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice.
- Enjoy!