3 Seafood Dinner Party Ideas for Your Next Gathering

Whether you’re looking to entertain a large group or just want something different for your next get-together, seafood can make a delicious and impressive main course. From crab cakes to salmon en papillote, here are three recipes that will have your guests clamoring for more.

Seafood can make a delicious and impressive main course for your next dinner party. Here are three seafood dinner party ideas recipes that will have your guests clamoring for more.

Crab Cakes with Spicy Remoulade sauce

These crab cakes are easy to make and always a hit with guests. For a variation, try using different types of seafood like lobster or shrimp.

Ingredients:

1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over for shells and cartilage

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped celery

1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

1 large egg, beaten

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Spicy remoulade sauce (recipe follows)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, gently mix together all of the crab cake ingredients except the oil and remoulade sauce. Shape the mixture into 12 cakes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours.

2. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the crab cakes and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 3 minutes per side.

4. Transfer the crab cakes to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while you make the sauce.

5. Serve the crab cakes with the Spicy Remoulade Sauce.

Spicy Remoulade Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon capers, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

1 teaspoon hot sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 1 day.

2. Serve with the crab cakes.

Salmon en Papillote with Herbs and Spices

This recipe is elegant and simple, yet packs a lot of flavor. The salmon is cooked in parchment paper, keeping it moist and tender.

Ingredients:

4 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup dry white wine

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 lemon, thinly sliced

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1 clove garlic, minced

4 sheets of parchment paper, about 12-inches square

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the wine, olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, basil and garlic.

4. Place a piece of parchment paper on a work surface. Place a salmon fillet in the center of the parchment. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the wine mixture over the fish. Top with lemon slices and season with salt and pepper. Fold up the sides of the parchment, enclosing the salmon completely. Repeat with the remaining salmon fillets and parchment paper.

5. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake until the salmon is cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.

6. To serve, place each packet on a plate and carefully cut open.

Shrimp Scampi

This classic dish is always a favorite, and can be easily adapted to fit your tastes. Try adding different herbs or spices to give it a unique twist.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup olive oil

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

2. Add the wine, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.

3. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until opaque, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Serve immediately with crusty bread for mopping up the sauce.

Conclusion

With these three seafood dinner party ideas, you’re sure to impress your guests! Crab cakes are a classic appetiser or main course, while salmon en papillote is a beautiful and healthy entree. And for something a little different, try shrimp scampi – it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Bon appetit!