Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in delicious food. This year, why not shake things up a bit with a *seafood Thanksgiving*? Trust me, there’s something truly special about the combination of fresh shrimp, succulent scallops, and tender crab meat, all baked to golden perfection that will make your holiday feast unforgettable. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this festive dish, setting the mood for a cozy celebration. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience! So, whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, this seafood delight will be the star of your Thanksgiving table, bringing a unique twist that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started on this delicious journey!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 pound crab meat
- 1 cup packed breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Seafood Thanksgiving
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps ensure that your dish cooks evenly and achieves that beautiful golden-brown topping we all love. While the oven is warming up, you can gather your ingredients and get everything ready. That way, you’ll be all set to dive right in!
Mix the Seafood
Now, let’s get to the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine your shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. I like to give everything a gentle toss to mix the seafood together without breaking it apart. Next, add in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands (make sure they’re clean!) to mix everything thoroughly. You want all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully, so take your time here. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Bake the Dish
Once everything is mixed well, transfer the seafood mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the seafood is cooked through – it should be nice and bubbly! Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent any overbaking. When it’s done, take a moment to breathe in that incredible aroma before serving it hot. Your guests will be eagerly waiting to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy Thanksgiving days.
- Delicious combination of fresh seafood that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Healthy and gluten-free, making it a great option for various diets.
- Rich in protein, keeping you satisfied throughout the celebrations.
- Bakes to a golden perfection, creating a beautiful centerpiece for your table.
- Can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends.
Tips for Success
To ensure your seafood Thanksgiving dish turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your seafood is fresh. If you’re using frozen shrimp, scallops, or crab meat, thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. This helps achieve that lovely golden crust. When mixing, be gentle with the seafood to keep those tender pieces intact. Also, don’t skip on the seasoning—taste as you go to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you want to elevate the flavors even more, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a splash of white wine in the mix. Lastly, let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking before serving; it helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to scoop out. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful seafood Thanksgiving dish. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, with 15 grams of fat (including 4 grams of saturated fat), and 25 grams of protein. You’ll also find about 20 grams of carbohydrates, along with 2 grams of fiber, making it a satisfying option. Plus, there’s just 1 gram of sugar and 600 milligrams of sodium. Remember, these values are estimates, so depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use, they may vary slightly. Enjoy your healthy, seafood-filled feast!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen seafood for this dish?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your frozen shrimp, scallops, and crab meat completely and pat them dry before mixing. This helps avoid excess moisture and ensures your seafood Thanksgiving dish bakes beautifully.
What can I serve alongside this seafood dish?
This seafood Thanksgiving dish pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with some crusty bread or a refreshing coleslaw to complement the flavors. It’s all about balance!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the seafood mixture and transfer it to the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great way to save time on the big day!
Is this seafood Thanksgiving dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as written, especially if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just be sure to check the labels on all your ingredients to ensure they fit your dietary needs.
How do I know when the seafood is fully cooked?
Your seafood is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the shrimp is opaque while the scallops should be firm and slightly springy. If you’re unsure, you can use a food thermometer—seafood should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After your delightful seafood Thanksgiving feast, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers! To store them properly, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and flavor. You can keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing the seafood mixture. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer!
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the seafood in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, just be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become rubbery. Enjoy your next seafood adventure!
Serving Suggestions
To make your seafood Thanksgiving truly memorable, consider pairing this delicious dish with a few complementary sides! A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the rich seafood flavors. You could also serve some roasted seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, to bring warmth to your table. And don’t forget about some crusty garlic bread or a warm, buttery biscuit to soak up any leftover juices! These sides will make your feast feel complete and satisfying. Enjoy every bite!
Imprimer
Seafood Thanksgiving: 7 Savory Secrets to a Memorable Feast
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A festive seafood dish perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 pound crab meat
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shrimp, scallops, and crab meat.
- Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy your seafood feast.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked before serving.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 150mg
Mots-clés: seafood thanksgiving
