Seafood Mixture Recipes – A Collection of 4 Delicious Dishes
Nothing beats the taste of fresh seafood, especially when paired with aromatic veggies, zesty herbs, and just the right touch of seasoning. Whether you’re reminiscing about seaside vacations or bringing a touch of coastal charm to your table, these seafood mixture recipes are perfect for any occasion. They’re light, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, all while remaining dairy-free and pescatarian-friendly. Plus, they highlight simple cooking techniques—like sautéing and grilling—that make the natural flavors of the seafood shine.
Dive into these easy-to-make dishes, whether you’re in the mood for appetizers, hearty main courses, or refreshing salads.
Table of Contents
🥗 1. Zesty Seafood Appetizer Cups
Inspired by coastal getaways, this appetizer takes you back to breezy vacations by the beach, where fresh seafood tasted unlike anything else.
Ingredients (Serves 4 | Prep + Cook Time: 20 minutes):
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 cup |
Crab meat, picked free of shells | 1/2 cup |
Cooked mussels (shelled) | 1/2 cup |
Squid rings, cleaned | 1/2 cup |
Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Garlic, minced | 1 small clove |
Bell peppers, finely diced | 1/4 cup |
Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Lemon juice | Juice of 1/2 lemon |
Salt | To taste |
Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
Mini lettuce cups or endive leaves | As needed |
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, letting it sizzle for a few seconds.
- Toss in the shrimp, crab, mussels, and squid. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until cooked through.
- Stir in bell peppers, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Spoon the warm seafood mixture into mini lettuce cups or endive leaves. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley.
- Serve immediately for a light yet flavorful start to your meal.
🔥 2. Grilled Seafood Medley with Herb Butter
Bringing summer grilling vibes right to your plate, this main course celebrates family recipes and the simple joy of cooking together outdoors.
Ingredients (Serves 4 | Prep + Cook Time: 30 minutes):
Ingredient | Quantity |
Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 cup |
Squid rings, cleaned | 1 cup |
Scallops | 1/2 cup |
Crab claws | 1/2 cup |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Fresh thyme leaves | 1/4 teaspoon |
Dried oregano | 1/4 teaspoon |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Lemon juice | Juice of 1 lemon |
Parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons (for garnish) |
Optional side: saffron rice or quinoa | As needed |
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss all the seafood with olive oil, thyme, oregano, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon in a mixing bowl.
- Place the seafood on the grill. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t overcook.
- Remove from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with parsley and a final dash of lemon juice.
- Serve with saffron rice or quinoa for a satisfying main course.
🥗 3. Citrusy Seafood Salad
Inspired by a hidden gem café, this salad recipe recreates the vibrant flavors of a seafood salad discovered at a coastal bistro.
Ingredients (Serves 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes):
Ingredient | Quantity |
Cooked shrimp, chilled | 1 cup |
Crab meat, chilled | 1/2 cup |
Avocado, diced | 1/2 cup |
Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Orange juice | Juice of 1 orange |
Lemon juice | Juice of 1 lemon |
Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Mixed greens or baby arugula | As needed |
Fresh parsley or basil | For garnish |
Instructions:
- Combine the cooked shrimp, crab meat, avocado, and cherry tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Pour the dressing over the seafood and toss gently to combine.
- Arrange the mixed greens or baby arugula on a serving plate. Top with the seafood mixture.
- Finish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately for a refreshing, zesty dish.
🍝 4. Creamy Mixed Seafood Pasta
This hearty dish combines a medley of seafood with creamy pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients (Serves 4 | Prep + Cook Time: 35 minutes):
Ingredient | Quantity |
Trader Joe’s seafood blend (or mix of shrimp, scallops, squid) | 1 cup |
Pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) | 250g |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
White wine (optional) | 1/4 cup |
Heavy cream or coconut milk (dairy-free option) | 1 cup |
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) | 1/4 cup |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add Trader Joe’s seafood blend to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until just done.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using) and let it reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
💡 Tips for Perfecting Your Seafood Mixtures
- Prioritize Freshness: Fresh seafood is key to achieving the best flavor and texture in each dish.
- Balance Flavors: Keep seasonings light to ensure the seafood’s delicate taste shines through.
- Experiment with Sides: Pair with grains, greens, or even pasta for a twist on traditional recipes.
🐟 FAQs
1. What is the best way to cook Trader Joe’s seafood blend? Trader Joe’s seafood blend is versatile and works well for sautéing, grilling, or boiling. Simply toss it with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a quick and delicious meal.
2. Can I use frozen seafood for these recipes? Yes, you can! Just ensure the seafood is thawed completely and patted dry before cooking for the best results.
3. Are there dairy-free options for mixed seafood pasta? Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy and delicious.
4. What are some other seafood medley recipes I can try? You can create seafood stir-fries, hearty stews, or even spicy seafood tacos using a similar blend of shrimp, scallops, and squid.
5. How do I avoid overcooking seafood in a recipe? Cook seafood over medium heat for just a few minutes on each side. Keep a close eye as seafood cooks quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, treating your family, or cooking just for yourself, these seafood mixture recipes are guaranteed to elevate your meals. From savory starters to hearty mains and vibrant salads, they’re as versatile as they are delicious. Grab your apron, fire up the grill, or whip out your favorite skillet—happy cooking!