Seafood for Parties: Impress Your Guests with Delicious Dishes

by Oleg Nikitenko August 05, 2024

Seafood for Parties

Are you planning a party and want to serve something special to your guests? Seafood is a great option that is both delicious and healthy. From shrimp cocktail to crab cakes, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this blog post, we will share some amazing seafood ideas that will make your next party a huge success.

Seafood Platter

A seafood platter is always a hit at parties. You can include a variety of seafood such as shrimp, crab legs, lobster, and oysters. Make sure to include some lemon wedges and cocktail sauce for dipping. This is a great option for those who love seafood but don't want a full meal.

Ingredients for 8 People:

2 pounds of shrimp
2 pounds of crab legs
4 lobster tails
24 oysters
Lemon wedges
Cocktail sauce

Cost Estimate: $150-$200

Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving

Best Pairing Alcohol:

White Wine: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Sparkling Wine: Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne

Preparation Tips:

Arrange the seafood on a large platter with ice to keep it fresh.
Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as cocktail sauce, garlic butter, and tartar sauce.
Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Time: None (served cold)

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Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that is always a hit. It's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. Simply cook the shrimp, chill it, and serve with cocktail sauce. You can also add some lemon wedges for extra flavor.

Ingredients for 8 People:

2 pounds of fresh shrimp
2 cups of cocktail sauce
Lemon wedges

Cost Estimate: $30-$40

Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving

Best Pairing Alcohol:

Pinot Grigio: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
Rosé: Whispering Angel Rosé

Preparation Tips:

Boil the shrimp with a bit of salt and a bay leaf until pink and tender.
Chill the shrimp in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and keep them firm.
Serve the shrimp in a bowl over ice with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges on the side.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)

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Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are another popular seafood dish that is perfect for parties. They are easy to make and can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Make sure to use fresh crab meat for the best flavor. Serve with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients for 8 People:

2 pounds of fresh crab meat
2 cups of breadcrumbs
1 cup of mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
2 eggs
1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning

Cost Estimate: $60-$80

Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving

Best Pairing Alcohol:

Chardonnay: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay
Pilsner: Stella Artois

Preparation Tips:

Mix the crab meat with breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, eggs, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning.
Form into patties and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Fry the crab cakes in a skillet with a bit of oil until golden brown on both sides.
Serve with a side of tartar sauce or a light lemon aioli.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)

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Grilled Fish

Grilled fish is a healthy and delicious option for those who want something light. You can use any type of fish such as salmon, tuna, or halibut. Marinate the fish in some olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, and grill it to perfection. Serve with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients for 8 People:

4 pounds of salmon, tuna, or halibut fillets
1/2 cup of olive oil
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1/4 cup of fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, dill)
Salt and pepper

Cost Estimate: $80-$100

Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per serving

Best Pairing Alcohol:

Sauvignon Blanc: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Lager: Heineken

Preparation Tips:

Marinate the fish fillets in olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the fish for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked.
Serve with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or a light couscous.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of seafood is best for parties? Seafood platters, shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, and grilled fish are all great options for parties. They are easy to prepare, delicious, and can be served as appetizers or main courses.

How can I make sure the seafood is fresh? Buy seafood from a reputable source and ensure it smells fresh and has no discoloration. Fresh seafood should have a mild ocean scent and firm flesh.

Can I prepare seafood dishes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare many seafood dishes ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to serve. Shrimp cocktail and crab cakes are particularly well-suited for advance preparation.

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Conclusion

Seafood is a great option for parties as it is delicious, healthy, and easy to prepare. From seafood platters to grilled fish, there are plenty of options to choose from. Make sure to buy fresh seafood from a reputable source and prepare ahead of time to ensure a successful party. Your guests will love these amazing seafood dishes and will be asking for the recipes!

For high-quality seafood products, explore Global Seafoods' Alaskan Pollock Fillets, Pacific Cod Fillets, Lingcod Fillets, and their Whitefish Collection.