20 Seafood Recipes For Your Feast Of The Seven Fishes Dinner
Feast of the Seven Fishes is a time-honored Italian-American tradition celebrated on Christmas Eve. This feast showcases a variety of delightful seafood dishes, each bringing its own unique flavor to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to seafood, these 20 recipes will offer something special for your festive dinner.
1. Baked Clams Oreganata
Baked Clams Oreganata are a flavorful start to your feast. Fresh clams are topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs, oregano, and grated Parmesan, then baked until golden brown. The result is a crunchy, savory dish that bursts with flavor.
Serve these delightful morsels as an appetizer, accompanied by lemon wedges for a touch of citrus. They are perfect for sharing and will whet your guests’ appetites. Baked Clams Oreganata are not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making them a stress-free option for your holiday gathering.
2. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi is a classic seafood dish that combines tender shrimp with garlic, butter, and white wine. This dish is both elegant and easy to prepare, making it a favorite for festive occasions.
Serve it over a bed of linguine or spaghetti for a satisfying meal. The garlic and wine sauce perfectly complements the sweetness of the shrimp, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice add the final touch, enhancing the dish’s brightness and appeal.
3. Stuffed Calamari
Stuffed Calamari offers a unique twist to traditional seafood dishes. These tender squid are filled with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, then gently cooked in a rich marinara sauce.
The result is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both satisfying and memorable. Serve this dish as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Stuffed Calamari is a wonderful way to introduce guests to the more adventurous side of seafood dining.
4. Lobster Fra Diavolo
Lobster Fra Diavolo adds a spicy kick to your seafood feast. With succulent lobster tails cooked in a fiery tomato-based sauce, this dish is sure to impress. The heat from the chili flakes enhances the sweetness of the lobster, creating a bold and exciting flavor profile.
Serve over pasta or rice to soak up the robust sauce, and garnish with fresh basil for added aroma. Lobster Fra Diavolo is perfect for those who appreciate a bit of spice in their culinary adventures.
5. Grilled Sardines
Grilled Sardines are a simple yet delicious addition to your holiday feast. Fresh sardines are marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. The result is a smoky, flavorful dish that highlights the natural taste of the fish.
Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of color. Grilled Sardines are not only healthy but also quick to prepare, making them a convenient option for your festive menu.
6. Cioppino
Cioppino is a hearty seafood stew that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. This dish features a variety of seafood, including clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish, all simmered in a rich tomato broth.
The flavors meld together, creating a satisfying and aromatic dish that is perfect for sharing. Serve Cioppino with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. This stew is a testament to the bounty of the sea and makes for a memorable centerpiece at your Feast of the Seven Fishes.
7. Mussels in White Wine Sauce
Mussels in White Wine Sauce is a timeless and elegant dish. The mussels are steamed in a fragrant broth of white wine, garlic, and shallots, absorbing the subtle flavors and becoming tender and juicy.
Serve them in a large pot, accompanied by toasted bread to sop up the flavorful sauce. This dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. The simplicity and rich flavors of Mussels in White Wine Sauce make it a must-have for your holiday celebration.
8. Crab Cakes
Crab Cakes bring a touch of elegance and flair to your seafood feast. Made with fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices, these cakes are pan-fried to golden perfection. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor.
Serve Crab Cakes as an appetizer or main course, accompanied by lemon slices and tartar sauce. Their rich taste and pleasing texture make them a favorite among seafood lovers. Easy to prepare, they add a special touch to any holiday gathering.
9. Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter
Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter is a dish that embodies simplicity and elegance. The scallops are seared to a golden crust, then drizzled with a luscious lemon butter sauce that enhances their natural sweetness.
Serve as an appetizer or a main course, garnished with fresh parsley for an added touch of freshness. This dish is quick to prepare yet delivers a rich and satisfying flavor experience. Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter are a true testament to the beauty of simple, quality ingredients.
10. Fried Smelts
Fried Smelts offer a delightful, crispy addition to your seafood repertoire. These small fish are coated in a light batter and fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior and tender interior.
Serve them hot, with lemon wedges for a burst of brightness. Fried Smelts are perfect as a snack or appetizer, bringing a fun and flavorful twist to your feast. They are easy to cook, making them an ideal choice for those looking to add variety without much effort.
11. Baccala Salad
Baccala Salad is a refreshing and unique dish featuring salt-cured cod. The cod is soaked and then mixed with olives, peppers, and a light dressing, creating a colorful and flavorful salad.
This dish is perfect as a side or appetizer, offering a contrast to richer dishes. The combination of textures and flavors makes Baccala Salad a standout at any seafood feast. Its vibrant appearance and refreshing taste provide a delightful palate cleanser during the meal.
12. Octopus Salad
Octopus Salad is a vibrant and enticing dish that showcases the tender texture of octopus. Combined with olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it offers a refreshing burst of flavors and colors.
The salad is dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, enhancing the natural taste of the octopus. Serve it as a light appetizer or side dish, providing a pleasing contrast to richer dishes. Octopus Salad is perfect for those looking to experience seafood in a fresh and exciting way.
13. Sautéed Escarole with Anchovies
Sautéed Escarole with Anchovies is a savory and flavorful side dish. The escarole is cooked with garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes, creating a dish that is both hearty and aromatic.
Serve this dish warm, as a complement to your main seafood courses. The bold flavors of the anchovies and pepper flakes add depth to the greens, making it a satisfying addition to your feast. Sautéed Escarole with Anchovies is perfect for those who enjoy bold, robust flavors.
14. Linguine with Clam Sauce
Linguine with Clam Sauce is a classic Italian dish that brings simplicity to seafood dining. The linguine is tossed with a light sauce made from fresh clams, garlic, and white wine, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
Garnish with parsley and lemon zest for a touch of color and brightness. This dish is perfect as a main course, offering a satisfying yet light option for your seafood dinner. The combination of pasta and clams creates a harmonious and comforting meal.
15. Seafood Risotto
Seafood Risotto is a creamy and luxurious dish that combines various seafood like shrimp, mussels, and scallops. Cooked with Arborio rice and a flavorful broth, this risotto is rich and satisfying.
Serve it as a main course, allowing guests to savor the blend of textures and flavors. The creaminess of the risotto perfectly complements the tender seafood, making it a delightful addition to your feast. Seafood Risotto is a comforting and elegant choice for any festive occasion.
16. Fried Calamari
Fried Calamari is a beloved seafood favorite, known for its crispy texture and delightful taste. The calamari rings are coated in a light batter and fried until golden brown, offering a satisfying crunch.
Serve with lemon wedges and marinara sauce for dipping, making it a perfect appetizer or snack. Fried Calamari is easy to prepare and a hit with both kids and adults. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a must-have for your seafood feast.
17. Roasted Branzino
Roasted Branzino is a show-stopping centerpiece for your seafood dinner. The whole fish is seasoned with herbs and lemon, then roasted to perfection, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.
Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. The simplicity of the preparation allows the natural taste of the branzino to shine, making it a favorite among seafood enthusiasts. Roasted Branzino is both elegant and easy to prepare, perfect for special occasions.
18. Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are a luxurious addition to your feast. Split lobster tails are basted with a rich garlic butter sauce, then broiled until tender.
Serve these succulent tails with a sprinkle of parsley for a touch of elegance. The garlic butter enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster, creating a dish that is both decadent and delicious. Perfect for impressing guests, Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are a must-try for your holiday menu.
19. Tuna Tartare
Tuna Tartare is a fresh and sophisticated dish that highlights the delicate flavor of raw tuna. Combined with avocado, sesame seeds, and soy sauce, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Serve as an appetizer in small portions, garnished with microgreens for visual appeal. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate the elegance of raw seafood. Tuna Tartare adds a modern and chic touch to your seafood feast, offering a refreshing start to the meal.
20. Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a traditional French seafood stew that exudes warmth and richness. Made with a variety of fish, shrimp, and mussels, all cooked in a saffron-infused broth, it offers a complex and aromatic taste experience.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth, and garnish with parsley for a touch of freshness. Bouillabaisse is perfect for those who adore the depth and complexity of traditional seafood dishes. Its hearty flavor and comforting nature make it a cherished choice for festive gatherings.