If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with an elegant yet simple main course, this Gourmet Baked Seafood Dish is your ticket to fine dining at home. With a medley of tender fish, succulent shrimp, and the perfect blend of herbs and buttery goodness, this dish brings sophistication and incredible flavor to your dinner table. It’s impressive, easy enough for a weeknight meal, and perfect for special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This baked seafood dish combines the best flavors of the ocean with minimal effort. From buttery fish fillets to perfectly seasoned shrimp, every bite offers a delightful taste of comfort and class. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can use a variety of seafood options, and it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just craving seafood, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this elegant Gourmet Baked Seafood Dish. Full measurements are listed at the end of this post!
For the seafood mixture:
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or sea bass)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound scallops (optional, for added luxury)
For the seasoning and topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
Optional for garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a perfectly baked seafood dish. - Prepare the Seafood
Pat the fish fillets, shrimp, and scallops (if using) dry with a paper towel. This removes excess moisture, ensuring even cooking. - Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a large baking dish with a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. - Season the Seafood
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Add the fish, shrimp, and scallops to the bowl and toss them gently until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. - Arrange in the Baking Dish
Place the seasoned seafood mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. - Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the scallops are firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, as seafood can become rubbery if left in the oven for too long. - Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook your seafood: Overcooking can make seafood tough and dry. Watch it closely and remove as soon as it’s done.
- Use fresh, high-quality seafood: Fresh seafood is the key to making this dish shine. Look for firm, well-scented fish and shrimp with no off-putting smell.
- Add a breadcrumb topping: If you want a crispy finish, mix breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle it over the seafood mixture before baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
Here are a few ways you can mix up this recipe to suit your tastes:
- Add different seafood: Replace scallops or add mussels, lobster, or crab for even more variety and flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the butter mixture for a spicy kick.
- Add vegetables: Toss in some asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or green beans to create a one-pan seafood and veggie dish.
- Use a different herb mix: Experiment with fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary to switch up the flavor profile.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Gourmet Baked Seafood Dish pairs beautifully with:
- A fresh arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Crusty baguette or sourdough bread to soak up all the buttery, lemony goodness.
- A side of garlic mashed potatoes or saffron-infused rice for a heartier option.
- A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to enhance the dish’s flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave at short intervals to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, frozen seafood works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and baking.
2. What kind of seafood works best?
White fish like cod, sea bass, or halibut, along with shrimp and scallops, create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. However, you can customize this to your preferences.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, replace melted butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a completely dairy-free option.
4. How do I know when the seafood is done?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, the shrimp should be pink and firm, and scallops should feel slightly firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking to maintain the perfect texture.
Conclusion
This Gourmet Baked Seafood Dish is the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. With buttery fish, succulent shrimp, and bold seasonings, this dish will make you feel like a gourmet chef without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Try this recipe for your next dinner gathering or special family meal and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite. It’s flavorful, impressive, and easy—what more could you ask for?
Print
Gourmet Baked Seafood Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Gourmet Baked Seafood Dish combines a variety of fresh seafood in a creamy, buttery sauce, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. This indulgent dish is perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or serving on a festive occasion. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a variety of seafood in one dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb scallops
- 1/2 lb crab meat (fresh or imitation)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, white wine, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a large baking dish, layer the seafood mixture. Pour the sauce evenly over the seafood.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the seafood and sauce.
- Bake the Seafood Dish:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- You can add other types of seafood like lobster or clams to customize the dish.
- For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Serve this dish with a side of rice or a light green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 180mg