Help us, Seafoodies!
Will you sign our petition to make the holiday season fun for the host again?! Because somewhere between the first frost of November and the last-minute gift wrapping of December, we always seem to be overwhelmed. Does this sound familiar? How has hospitality turned into a marathon of kitchen confinement and menu stress, when it should be about making memories (and actually being present for them)?
We’ve all been there! Frantically Googling “impressive but easy recipes” at midnight, wondering what you can whip up to make your gathering stand out from the endless parade of cheese boards and predictable potlucks. Well, if you want to start being a guest at your events, you’re in the right place!
This definitive roundup of 30 seafood recipes will set you up for success when it comes to Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s entertaining. With these reliable party winners, for once, when the doorbell rings, you won’t still be in your apron and panicking about the timing. Instead, you’ll greet guests and feel fabulous, as they ooh and ahh over a spread that looks like it’s straight out of a holiday magazine.
Mingle as your guests discover the blackened tilapia and watermelon salsa crostini that make store-bought hummus hide in shame, or watch friends’ conversations flow around your baked skinny popcorn shrimp. There’s something deliciously satisfying about seeing everyone try (and fail) to have fun while searching for that last chip of Sheet Pan Crab Nachos. And that smoked salmon sauce? It’s about to become your family’s new Christmas tradition and will save you hours of pre-party preparation.
While these 30 dishes seem like they require a chef’s kitchen and a small army of helpers, they’re actually your ticket to the freedom to celebrate. No longer will you miss the whole party because you’re stuck plating things in the kitchen. These recipes are designed to allow you to get that elevated feast done while still having time to refill your wine glass and join in the holiday fun.
So this year we’re releasing vacation hosts everywhere! Are you ready to join the party?!
Tuna bitch
A quick tip: don’t forget to save some pasta cooking water! The starchy water will thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta, so your guests won’t miss a spoonful of its amazing flavor.
Smoked salmon sauce
With some store-bought smoked salmon, a handful of kitchen staples, and a trusty food processor, you’ll have this crowd-pleasing snack prepped ahead of time and ready in no time.
Pan-fried crab nachos
We replaced the Greek yogurt with sour cream and added chopped avocado for lots of extra omega-3s to keep the party going!
Mussels With White Wine Sauce
We love this dish as an appetizer – it’s sized for sharing! Or, served on wholemeal pasta with a side salad, it makes a well-balanced starter for an informal dinner with friends.
Smoked trout sauce
If there’s any remaining schmear, treat yourself to a bagel/toast dip the next morning as fuel for your post-party cleanup efforts!
Baked shrimp and spinach sauce
In addition to serving traditional bread and crackers, add a spread of fresh vegetables for a little extra crunch, color, and (most importantly) nutrition!
Caesar cabbage with shrimp or salmon
Greek yogurt, grated cheese, anchovies and seasonings are transformed into a spicy dressing, which we recommend serving on the side to keep the kale crunchy all night!
Cod and corn soup
We chose cod for this soup for its delicate flavor and flaky bite, but you can use any white fish you have on hand!
Creamy clam chowder
Juicy clams, chunky potatoes, fragrant vegetables and a broth that is nothing short of heavenly. What’s not to love?!
Instant lobster bisque
The Instant Pot once again proves to be every party host’s dream gadget: this tasty soup takes just 10 minutes to prepare and then about an hour hands-free in the IP!
Mini seafood pies
Simple preparation, individual portions, extraordinary taste and exceptional nutrition: these pot cakes are ready to party!
Triple boiling seafood
As far as recipes go, boiling is incredibly simple: add seafood and vegetables to a pot of heady broth, then let it steam!
Instant pot pasta with red sauce and clams
Twisted strands of linguine and spaghetti complement the tomato sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand when making this 20-minute main dish!
Creamy crab and kale lasagna
You can relax and cook this lasagna the day before serving, when it’s not crunch time. Simply cover with aluminum foil, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to enjoy!
Easy grilled lobster
Our guide to grilling the perfect lobster tail is as simple as it is tasty: in less than half an hour you can enjoy a succulent lobster meal that will enchant your guests.
Seafood paella
While the paella simmers, you can pop some crusty bread in the oven and toss a green salad with it or just relax, knowing that your hungry friends will soon be satisfied!
Instant Pot Seafood Risotto
Risotto is a great addition to any holiday menu, but it’s also great for a busy weekend or date night. Plus it’s made with wine, so what’s stopping you from sipping some while it cooks?
Scampi with garlic
You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish is prepared! While the pasta cooks, you can watch the shrimp saute with the toppings, all while choosing your party music playlist for the evening!
Crab Dumplings
Guests will never guess that you used canned crab meat and store-bought dumplings to make this homemade meal fabulous, quick, and affordable!
Instant Pot Tikka Masala Code
Serve your finished masala buffet-style with plates of fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread and your favorite vegetables!
Lean shrimp with baked popcorn
Don’t let the “skinny” label fool you: these tasty morsels are full of flavor and crunchy satisfaction.
Pasta Alfredo with shrimp cream
From the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen to the last sip of pasta, this shrimp creation is a guaranteed hit.
Gluten-free pumpkin and crab
Debunk the falsehoods that: (1) indulgent dishes can’t be good for you, and (2) you can’t serve seafood with cheese at a gathering. Wrong and wrong!
