Seafood for a Crowd: Recipes, Tips, and Complete Cooking Guides

by Oleg Nikitenko January 21, 2025

Seafood for a Crowd: Impress Your Guests with These Delicious Recipes

Seafood is the perfect choice when hosting a large gathering. Not only is it flavorful and versatile, but it also cooks quickly and feels like a luxurious treat. With proper planning and the right recipes, you can effortlessly create dishes that will wow your guests.

As Chef Julia Child famously said, “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” The same applies to seafood—it's meant to be indulgent, delicious, and memorable.

In this guide, we’ll share detailed recipes for seafood favorites like shrimp boil, paella, and crab cakes, complete with cooking times, ingredients, and helpful tips.

1. Classic Seafood Paella

Ingredients (Serves 8-10)

  • Seafood:
    • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 lb mussels, cleaned
    • 1/2 lb squid, sliced into rings
  • Vegetables:
    • 1 red bell pepper, diced
    • 1 green bell pepper, diced
    • 1 large onion, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Grain:
    • 2 cups short-grain rice (e.g., Arborio or Bomba rice)
  • Liquid & Spices:
    • 4 cups seafood stock
    • 1/2 tsp saffron threads (soaked in warm water)
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Additional Ingredients:
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Clean and prepare all seafood. Soak saffron in warm water.
  2. Cook the Base: In a large paella pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
  3. Toast the Rice: Add rice to the pan, stirring to coat it in the oil and spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Liquid and Cook: Pour in seafood stock and saffron water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Add Seafood: Arrange shrimp, mussels, and squid on top of the rice. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top with lemon wedges and serve directly from the pan.

Total Time: 45 minutes

Pro Tip: For premium seafood like shrimp and mussels, shop Global Seafoods for the best results.

2. Shrimp Boil

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

  • Seafood:
    • 2 lbs shrimp (shell-on for maximum flavor)
  • Vegetables:
    • 6 ears of corn, halved
    • 2 lbs baby potatoes
  • Meat:
    • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • Seasoning & Additions:
    • 4 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
    • 2 lemons, quartered
    • 6 garlic cloves, smashed
    • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
    • Hot sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broth: Fill a large stockpot with water. Add Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and lemon quarters. Bring to a boil.
  2. Cook Potatoes and Corn: Add potatoes to the boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes, then add the corn. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  3. Add Shrimp and Sausage: Add shrimp and sausage to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turns pink.
  4. Drain and Serve: Drain the boil and spread it out on a large platter or table covered in parchment paper. Drizzle with melted butter and serve with hot sauce.

Total Time: 30 minutes

Pro Tip: Frozen shrimp is perfect for this dish. Thaw shrimp from Global Seafoods for the freshest flavor.

3. Lobster Roll Sliders

Ingredients (Makes 12 Sliders)

  • Seafood:
    • 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped
  • Filling:
    • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Buns:
    • 12 slider buns, toasted
  • Optional Garnishes:
    • Lettuce leaves
    • Sliced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lobster Mix: In a bowl, mix lobster meat, mayonnaise, celery, lemon juice, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Assemble Sliders: Spread the lobster mixture onto slider buns. Add lettuce and tomato if desired.
  3. Serve: Arrange sliders on a platter for easy serving.

Total Time: 20 minutes

Pro Tip: For the freshest lobster meat, shop King Crab and Lobster .

4. Crab Cakes

Ingredients (Makes 8 Crab Cakes)

  • Seafood:
    • 1 lb lump crab meat
  • Filling:
    • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
    • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1 egg, beaten
    • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
    • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • For Frying:
    • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mixture: In a bowl, combine crab meat, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix gently.
  2. Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 8 equal patties. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
  3. Cook: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook crab cakes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Serve: Serve with tartar sauce or aioli.

Total Time: 30 minutes

Pro Tip: Explore premium Caviar as a luxurious appetizer to complement your crab cakes.

FAQs About Seafood for a Crowd

Q1: Can I prepare these dishes in advance?

A: Yes! Many seafood recipes, like paella and crab cakes, can be prepped ahead of time and reheated when guests arrive.

Q2: How do I ensure my seafood is fresh?

A: Use high-quality, fresh, or premium frozen seafood from reputable suppliers like Global Seafoods .

Q3: What sides pair well with seafood?

A: Garlic bread, coleslaw, potato salad, or citrusy green salads are excellent side dishes for seafood.

Conclusion: Make Your Event Unforgettable with Seafood

Seafood dishes are perfect for entertaining a crowd. From the vibrant flavors of seafood paella to the casual fun of a shrimp boil, these recipes offer something for everyone. With detailed instructions, premium ingredients, and a bit of preparation, you can host a meal that leaves your guests raving.

Shop for the finest seafood at Global Seafoods , and get inspired with more recipes on the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel .

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