5 Tasty, Easy Thanksgiving Seafood Dishes You Should Serve this Holiday Season

When we think of Thanksgiving, images of roasted turkey and traditional sides like candied sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce often come to mind. But for those looking to mix things up this year, why not add some delicious Thanksgiving seafood dishes to the holiday spread? 

At NC Seafood Restaurant in Raleigh, we are passionate about offering fresh, flavorful seafood that’s perfect for any occasion—even Thanksgiving. Let’s explore some of the best Thanksgiving seafood dishes to make your holiday unforgettable.

Choosing Seafood Recipes for Thanksgiving

If you’re looking to bring something new and exciting to your Thanksgiving table, seafood offers a perfect alternative or complement to traditional dishes. 

Here’s why Thanksgiving seafood dishes are a great choice for your holiday feast: 

• A Fresh Twist on Tradition: Seafood adds a unique element to the Thanksgiving menu, offering guests something different while still celebrating the holiday spirit.
• Lighter Options for a Balanced Meal: Seafood is a lighter alternative to traditional dishes, providing a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
• Celebrating Coastal Traditions: Incorporating seafood into your meal honors coastal heritage, especially in areas like North Carolina, where it’s part of local cuisine.
• Versatility and Variety: Seafood can be prepared in many ways and pairs beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving sides, fitting both formal and casual meals.

Now let’s get into 5 of our favorite Thanksgiving seafood dishes that are sure to please everyone!

Oyster Stuffing

Ingredients

• Fresh oysters (shucked)
• Day-old bread cubes (about 5 cups)
• Butter
• Onion (chopped)
• Celery (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Sage, thyme, and rosemary (to taste)
• Chicken or seafood stock
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them until golden and crispy. This helps the stuffing maintain its texture when combined with the other ingredients.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped herbs and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the Oysters: Gently fold in the shucked oysters, including the oyster liquor, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are just firm. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage.
4. Combine with Bread and Stock: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the oyster mixture. Slowly pour in the chicken or seafood stock, tossing gently until the bread absorbs the liquid and the stuffing reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

Butternut Squash and Lobster Bisque

When it comes to Thanksgiving seafood dishes, this is perfect for impressing your guests and setting a sophisticated tone for your holiday dinner.

Ingredients

• Fresh lobster tails (cooked and chopped)
• Butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
• Butter
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Carrots (chopped)
• Celery (chopped)
• Chicken or seafood stock
• Heavy cream
• Fresh thyme and sage
• Salt and pepper
• Nutmeg (a pinch)
• White wine (optional)

Steps

1. Roast the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized. This roasting step enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in the bisque.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter and sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 7-10 minutes. Add thyme, sage, and a pinch of nutmeg for a fragrant fall aroma.
3. Simmer with Stock: Add the roasted butternut squash to the pot and pour in the chicken or seafood stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’d like, add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
4. Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a blender) to puree the mixture until smooth and velvety. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the Lobster: Gently fold in the cooked, chopped lobster, reserving a few pieces for garnish. Heat the bisque over low heat until the lobster is warmed through.
6. Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with reserved lobster pieces, a drizzle of cream, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Grilled Salmon with Maple Glaze

This fall seafood recipe is not only delicious but also versatile—it pairs beautifully with sides like roasted root vegetables, sweet potatoes, or a fresh fall salad. When it comes to boasting a lighter main dish or an exciting alternative to turkey, this is one of our favorite Thanksgiving seafood dishes! This salmon recipe is sure to impress your guests while keeping your meal healthy and tasty.

Ingredients

• Fresh salmon filets
• Pure maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Olive oil
• Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Steps

1. Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the sweetness, and set the glaze aside.
2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the salmon filets with olive oil to prevent sticking, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the filet. Brush the salmon with the maple glaze during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing the glaze to caramelize and coat the fish with a glossy, flavorful finish.
4. Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill and garnish with fresh rosemary and lemon wedges. Drizzle any remaining maple glaze over the top and serve with roasted vegetables or wild rice for a complete meal.

Pumpkin Risotto with Seared Scallops

This dish is perfect as a main course or a luxurious side, providing a seasonal, elegant twist on traditional Thanksgiving fare. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or looking to impress family and friends, this recipe, one of our favorite Thanksgiving seafood dishes, will add a touch of gourmet flair to your holiday meal.

Ingredients

• Fresh scallops (about 12 large)
• Arborio rice (1 ½ cups)
• Pumpkin puree (1 cup)
• Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups, warmed)
• White wine (optional, ½ cup)
• Parmesan cheese (grated, ½ cup)
• Butter (3 tablespoons)
• Olive oil
• Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Fresh sage (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Prepare the Risotto Base:
   • In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it in the butter and oil. Let it toast for a minute before deglazing the pan with white wine (if using), allowing it to reduce.
2. Add the Broth Gradually:
   • Slowly begin adding the warmed broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle. Continue this process for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and creamy.
   • Once the rice is nearly done, stir in the pumpkin puree and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to bring out the fall flavors. Keep warm on low heat.
3. Sear the Scallops:
   • Pat the scallops dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Once the pan is hot, add the scallops and sear for about 2 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through but still tender inside.
4. Serve:
   • Spoon the creamy pumpkin risotto onto plates, then top each serving with 3-4 seared scallops. Garnish with fresh sage leaves for a touch of earthy flavor and color. Drizzle with any remaining butter from the scallop pan for added richness.

Pecan-Crusted Grouper with Brown Butter

This dish offers a perfect blend of elegance and comfort, ideal for those looking to add Southern Thanksgiving seafood dishes that add a twist to their holiday feast. Whether it’s served as a main course or paired with traditional Thanksgiving sides, this grouper recipe is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• Fresh grouper filets (about 4 filets)
• Pecans (finely chopped, 1 cup)
• Panko breadcrumbs (½ cup)
• Parmesan cheese (grated, ¼ cup)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, 2 tablespoons)
• Butter (6 tablespoons)
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Brown butter sauce:
  • Butter (4 tablespoons)
  • Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Steps

1. Prepare the Pecan Coating:
   • In a shallow dish, combine the finely chopped pecans, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
   • Pat the grouper filets dry and brush them lightly with olive oil. Press each filet into the pecan mixture, coating both sides evenly.
2. Cook the Grouper:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the pecan-crusted grouper filets for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the grouper is cooked through and flaky.
3. Make the Brown Butter Sauce:
   • While the grouper is baking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl the pan occasionally until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 4-5 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Set aside.
4. Serve:
   • Remove the grouper from the oven and drizzle the brown butter sauce over the top of the filets. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve with seasonal sides like roasted sweet potatoes or green beans for a complete meal.

Visit NC Seafood Restaurant for a Southern-Inspired Thanksgiving Feast

If you’re ready to add a unique twist to your Thanksgiving dinner, look no further than NC Seafood Restaurant in Raleigh. Our menu is filled with fresh Calabash seafood dishes that bring a flavorful spin to your typical holiday meals. Whether you’re planning a special family gathering or looking to enjoy an unforgettable seafood feast, visit us this holiday season and let us help make your Thanksgiving truly special. Your family can prepare the Thanksgiving seafood dishes and we’ll provide the sides!

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