Simple and Tasty Seafood Recipes for a Winter Treat

Seafood is a delicious and nutritious food that is also very versatile. It can be enjoyed all year round, including during the cold winter. Fresh Seafood can help you stay warm and cozy with its rich flavors and health benefits. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, a hearty and satisfying stew, or a gourmet and elegant dish, seafood has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will share some of the best seafood recipes for winter that are simple and tasty. You will find recipes for salmon, shrimp, scallops, lobster, and more, all of which will make your winter evenings more enjoyable.

4 Best Winter Seafood Recipes

1. Barbecued Salmon With Herbs and Capers

Barbecued salmon with herbs and capers is a delicious and easy dish you can make on the grill. Here’s a recipe for barbecued salmon with herbs and capers:

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Preparations:

1. Preheat your barbecue or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped dill, and chopped capers in a small bowl. This will be your marinade and sauce for the salmon.
3. Pat dry the salmon fillets with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper.
4. Brush the salmon fillets generously with the prepared marinade mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if the skin is still on, and close the lid.
6. Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Use a spatula to flip the fillets halfway through cooking carefully.
7. While grilling, baste the salmon occasionally with the remaining marinade to keep it moist and flavorful.
8. Cook until the salmon is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Be cautious not to overcook to retain its tenderness and juiciness.
9. Once done, remove the salmon from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. You can garnish with additional chopped herbs or a few capers if desired.
10. Serve the barbecued salmon with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest, if preferred.

      2. Scallops with Pancetta

Scallops with pancetta is a tasty dish that combines the sweetness of scallops with the saltiness of pancetta. Here’s a recipe for Scallops with Pancetta:

Ingredients:

• 12 Dry sea scallops, patted dry
• 6-8 slices of pancetta, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Preparations:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wrap each scallop with a slice of pancetta and secure it with a toothpick. Make sure the scallops are thoroughly covered.
3. Heat olive oil in a big oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat.
4. To prepare the scallops, lightly season them with salt and pepper. Heat up a skillet and place the scallops in it. 
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the pancetta is crispy and the scallops are lightly browned. Once done, take the scallops out of the skillet and place them on a plate.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Return the scallops to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the scallops are cooked but still tender.
9. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the scallops with chopped parsley (if using).
10. Serve the scallops immediately, garnished with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

     3. Spicy Shrimp with Avocado Puree

            Here’s a simple recipe for Spicy Shrimp with Avocado Puree:

Ingredients:

For the Spicy Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for desired spice level)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedges for serving

For the Avocado Puree:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Water (as needed for desired consistency)

Preparations:

1. Combine the avocados, minced garlic, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a food processor or blender.
2. Blend until smooth. If the puree is too thick, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Set aside. 
3. Combine the peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixing bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
7. Spoon some avocado puree onto serving plates. Place the cooked spicy shrimp on top of the puree.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

     4. Creamy Lobster Bisque

Creamy lobster bisque is a rich and smooth soup made with lobster stock, cream, and seasonings. Here’s a recipe for creamy lobster bisque:

Ingredients:

• 2 large lobster tails
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups seafood or lobster stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparations:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the live lobsters, cover the pot, and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the shells turn red. Remove the lobsters from the pot and set them aside to cool.
2. Once the lobsters are cool enough to handle, crack open the shells and remove all the meat. Chop the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Save the shells for later use.
3. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are soft and aromatic, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Stir in the paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
5.  Add the seafood or lobster stock to the pot, stirring well to combine with the roux. Add water and the reserved lobster shells (not the meat). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the liquid, discarding the solids (shells and vegetables). Return the strained liquid to the pot.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the bisque simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Gently add the chopped meat to the bisque and cook for another 5 minutes until the lobster is heated.
9. Ladle the creamy lobster bisque into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Final Words

During the winter months, tasty and delicious winter seafood dishes can provide an exquisite culinary experience. From savory and comforting dishes to elegant and heartwarming ones, seafood recipes offer a perfect respite from the cold. Whether you prefer a creamy seafood chowder, a spicy seafood gumbo, or a succulent grilled seafood platter, these dishes are a reminder that winter is a time for indulging in exquisite flavors and culinary exploration.