Ultimate Seafood Platter Recipe

Every time I make this Ultimate Seafood Platter Recipe, it brings back the warm and joyful memories of summer gatherings with family and friends. The sound of laughter mingling with the salty breeze, the clinking of glasses, and the irresistible aroma of grilled seafood wafting through the air fill my heart with such joy. It reminds me of those laid-back evenings spent around the table, with loved ones savoring the delicious meals we prepared together. With every bite of succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and flavorful lobster, I can feel the love and connection it creates, and I know once you try it, you’ll feel that same warmth too!

Now, let me share how to create this seafood masterpiece right in your kitchen. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a regular family dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s so easy to put together! You’ll be surprised at how effortlessly you can create an impressive seafood platter that will have everyone raving.

Ingredients:

  • 500g fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined): Shrimp adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the platter. You want them fresh for the best flavor!
  • 200g scallops: These little treasures of the sea are delicate and rich, making them a must-have for any seafood lover.
  • 200g lobster tails, split: The star of the show! Lobster adds that luxury feel to your platter and is always a hit with guests.
  • 300g assorted seafood bites (fish fillet, calamari, etc.): Feel free to mix and match your favorite seafood bites to make it your own!
  • Broccoli florets: For a pop of color, and they’re a great crunchy contrast to the soft seafood.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add a refreshing taste.
  • Mixed greens (lettuce, kale): These greens not only brighten up the platter but also make for a lovely bed to arrange your seafood on.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: A necessary ingredient for our batter—it helps create that crispy texture.
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch: This secret ingredient helps maintain that extra crunch!
  • 1 cup cold sparkling water: The bubbles in sparkling water give the batter a light and airy texture, making it oh-so-delicious!
  • Salt and pepper to taste: These are your basic seasonings, and I always say to use good quality salt for the best results.
  • 1/4 cup garlic butter for grilling lobster: This is what infuses everything with rich, buttery goodness. You can never go wrong with garlic butter!
  • Soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping: A good dipping sauce elevates the entire platter—don’t skip this!

Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking steps! Trust me, you’ll love how easy and straightforward this is.

  1. Prepare the Seafood: Start by cleaning the shrimp and scallops. Ensure the shrimp is peeled and deveined to make it ready for cooking. For the lobster tails, split them in half to get that beautiful presentation and flavor.

  2. Prepare the Seafood Bites: If you’re using fish fillets or calamari, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to enjoy!

  3. Mix the Batter: In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the cold sparkling water while whisking until you get a smooth batter. Trust me, this step is key for that crispy coating you’ll absolutely love!

  4. Fry the Seafood Bites: Heat some oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, dip your seafood bites into the batter and carefully place them in the oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-4 minutes. Then, drain them on paper towels to catch any excess oil.

  5. Grill the Lobster Tails and Shrimp: Brush the split lobster tails and cleaned shrimp with garlic butter. Place them on a medium-hot grill, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and the lobster is cooked through. You can smell the goodness already, can’t you?

  6. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boiling point. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice water bath. This helps them maintain their bright green color and a nice crunch.

  7. Arrange the Platter: Now comes the fun part! Arrange all your beautifully cooked seafood and veggies on a large platter. Create a vibrant display with the assorted seafood, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens. I love this part—it’s like making art with food!

  8. Serving with Dipping Sauces: Finally, present the platter with some soy sauce or sweet chili sauce. Having a variety of sauces allows your guests to customize their bites, which is always a hit.

Why I Love Making This Dish: Creating this Ultimate Seafood Platter is not just about the food; it’s about the feelings it brings back. It’s about the laughter shared, the memories created, and the joy of bringing people together around the table. The vibrant colors and flavors make it perfect for any gathering, big or small. Every time I whip it up, I can feel the love in every bite.

What You’ll Need: Besides the ingredients, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools—a large skillet or deep pan for frying, a grill for cooking the lobster and shrimp, a pot for blanching, and, of course, a beautiful platter to display all your hard work.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Preheat your grill while you prepare the seafood and batter.
  2. Get the frying oil ready and monitor the temperature.
  3. Have fun arranging the meal on the platter when you’re all done cooking!

Tips for Perfect Results: Here’s a little trick I’ve learned: when grilling, make sure your seafood is patted dry before seasoning and grilling. This helps develop nice grill marks and prevents steaming. Additionally, using cold sparkling water for the batter is crucial—it creates that light and crispy texture that everyone loves!

Serving Suggestions and Sides: This platter shines on its own, but why not pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread? A nice glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea would complement the seafood beautifully. When I have this platter, I often make a simple cucumber salad tossed in lemon juice and olive oil—so refreshing!

Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my household!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F to keep the crispy texture. You could also cold serve the leftover seafood on a salad for a delightful lunch!

FAQ Section:

Can I use frozen seafood? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before cooking. I’ve used frozen shrimp and scallops many times, and they turn out delicious.

What if I don’t have a grill? No problem! You can easily sear the lobster and shrimp in a skillet on the stove. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Is it okay to switch up the seafood? Of course! Feel free to use your favorite seafood. The beauty of this platter is its versatility—go ahead and create a platter that suits your taste!

This Ultimate Seafood Platter has become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait for you to try it! It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together. The flavors are divine, the presentation will wow your guests, and you’ll find it’s so much easier to make than you might think. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! When you take that first bite, I hope it brings you the same joy and memories it brings me. Let me know how it turns out, and remember, seconds are always encouraged!

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