Elegant Gourmet Baked Seafood Dish Recipe for Special Occasions

Crafting this delectable gourmet baked seafood dish promises a culinary adventure that sparks joy in every bite.

Succulent ocean treasures nestle beneath a golden, crispy crust waiting to surprise you.

Layers of complex flavors dance across your palate with unexpected harmony.

Mediterranean coastal traditions inspire this elegant yet approachable recipe that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Fresh ingredients become the secret weapon in creating something truly remarkable.

Simple techniques transform ordinary seafood into an extraordinary dining experience.

You’ll want to savor each morsel and share this delightful creation with those closest to you.

Baked Seafood Made Many Ways

• Low-Carb Seafood Delight: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains crispy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Medley: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free alternative that preserves the rich, creamy sauce.
• Gluten-Free Seafood Casserole: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this elegant seafood dish without compromising flavor.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Add fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil to the sauce, and incorporate diced tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired seafood experience with bright, aromatic notes.

FAQs

• What type of seafood works best in this recipe?

Shrimp, scallops, and crab meat are ideal. These tender seafood options blend perfectly and create a luxurious mix of flavors and textures.

• Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For best results, stick to heavy cream for a velvety consistency.

• How do I know when the seafood is fully cooked?

The seafood is done when it turns opaque and firm. Shrimp should be pink and slightly curled, scallops should be white and slightly springy, and crab meat should be heated through.

• Is white wine necessary for the sauce?

While white wine adds depth, you can substitute with seafood stock or additional lemon juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. The wine contributes complexity to the overall flavor profile.

What’s Fancy About This Baked Seafood Dish

Savor Seafood Elegance: Quick Gourmet Delight

• Time-Saving Luxury: Complete this impressive seafood dish in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous weekend gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combines succulent shrimp, scallops, and crab with a rich, creamy sauce that guarantees widespread appeal for seafood lovers.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Adaptable for intimate date nights, family dinners, or elegant dinner parties, showcasing culinary skills with minimal preparation effort.

Baked Seafood Dish Ingredient Breakdown

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood with delicate flavor, preferably fresh or high-quality frozen.
• Scallops: Soft, buttery sea protein with mild oceanic taste, choose large, fresh sea scallops.
• Crab Meat: Delicate and sweet marine protein, best when fresh or high-quality canned.

• Butter: Rich, creamy base for developing deep flavor, use unsalted for better control.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth, luxurious sauce thickener with rich texture.
• White Wine: Adds depth and acidity to the sauce, dry varieties work best.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances overall sauce complexity.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy notes that balance the rich seafood.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient providing depth and traditional flavor profile.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy, light topping that provides golden crunch, Japanese-style preferred.
• Paprika: Mild, sweet spice adding color and subtle warmth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing natural seafood flavors.
• Parsley: Fresh, green garnish for visual appeal and light herbal note.

Gourmet Baked Seafood Dish Prep Plan

Step 1: Warm Up The Kitchen Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Select a spacious mixing vessel and gather your seafood treasures to get ready for a mouthwatering adventure.

• Fresh shrimp
• Delicate scallops
• Sweet crab meat

Step 2: Craft A Luxurious Creamy Sauce

Create a decadent sauce that will elevate your seafood to gourmet heights.

In a saucepan, transform butter into liquid gold over medium warmth.

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Heavy cream
• White wine
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Simmer the mixture gently, allowing flavors to dance and meld together.

Season with paprika, salt, and pepper until the sauce whispers perfection.

Step 3: Layer Seafood With Sauce

Transfer your beautiful seafood collection into a baking dish.

Lovingly drench the seafood with your luxurious sauce, ensuring every morsel gets coated.

Step 4: Create Crispy Golden Topping

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter to create a crunchy crown for your seafood masterpiece.

Sprinkle this golden mixture generously across the top.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide your creation into the waiting oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until seafood turns tender and topping transforms into a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Pull out your stunning dish and let it rest briefly.

Shower with fresh chopped parsley and accompany with bright lemon wedges.

Your seafood extravaganza is ready to dazzle!

Fancy Tips for Baked Seafood Dishes

• Select ultra-fresh seafood from trusted fishmongers to guarantee the best flavor and texture in your gourmet dish.
• Simmer sauce slowly and stir frequently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without burning.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs lightly before adding to create an extra crispy, golden-brown topping that enhances the overall crunch.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check seafood doneness, ensuring shrimp and scallops are cooked perfectly without becoming rubbery.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate different dietary restrictions.

Seafood Bake That Stores Like a Pro Dish

• Store leftover seafood dish in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
• Allow the dish to reach room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Warm gently in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture of delicate seafood.
• Throw away seafood leftovers if they develop an off smell, unusual color, or have been stored longer than 2 days to prevent foodborne illness.

Great Pairings for Baked Seafood Dish

• Uncork a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy sauce and highlight the delicate seafood flavors.
• Elevate the dining experience with a zesty lemon-herb risotto that matches the dish's buttery and tangy notes.
• Match with a fresh arugula salad dressed in light citrus vinaigrette to balance the creamy seafood's richness.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus spears with garlic and parmesan to echo the dish's elegant coastal profile.

Gourmet Baked Seafood Dish Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent “Mediterranean Seafood Gratin” blends coastal flavors with elegant French culinary techniques. Rich oceanic ingredients meld perfectly, creating a luxurious dinner experience you’ll savor with Mediterranean passion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb (454 g) scallops
• 1/2 lb (227 g) crab meat (fresh or imitation)

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter, melted (for topping)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (120 g) panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the kitchen oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for the seafood medley.
2. Carefully blend the delicate seafood trio of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat in a spacious mixing vessel, allowing the ingredients to mingle and rest.
3. Initiate the sauce preparation by gently melting butter in a simmering saucepan, releasing its rich, golden essence.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, allowing its aromatic profile to bloom and infuse the kitchen with a tantalizing fragrance.
5. Craft the luxurious sauce by incorporating heavy cream, white wine, finely grated Parmesan, bright lemon zest, and a splash of citrusy lemon juice.
6. Reduce the sauce on low heat, stirring periodically, watching it transform into a velvety, slightly thickened liquid.
7. Season the sauce with a whisper of paprika, and carefully balance with salt and pepper to elevate the maritime flavors.
8. Transfer the seafood mixture into a generous baking dish, creating an even, inviting layer.
9. Cascade the aromatic sauce uniformly over the seafood, ensuring each morsel is lovingly coated.
10. Prepare a crisp topping by combining panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a golden, crunchy crown.
11. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture across the surface, promising a textural contrast to the tender seafood beneath.
12. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes of transformative heat to cook the seafood to perfection.
13. Watch for a golden-brown crust and ensure the seafood is thoroughly cooked and glistening.
14. Carefully remove from the oven and allow a brief moment of rest, letting the flavors settle and intensify.
15. Finish by scattering fresh, chopped parsley across the dish and presenting with bright, zesty lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the most flavorful and tender result.
• Avoid overcooking seafood to prevent tough, rubbery texture by monitoring baking time carefully.
• Toast breadcrumbs separately for extra crunch if you prefer a more crispy topping.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 653
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg