Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the perfect harmony of indulgence and sophistication. The sauce is silky and aromatic, clinging beautifully to each piece of seafood, while the mix of textures — from tender shrimp to buttery scallops — keeps every bite exciting. It’s versatile, too: serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a special family meal, this recipe delivers an unforgettable seafood experience that’s surprisingly simple to make.
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Seafood Lover’s Delight – A Luxurious Medley of Ocean Freshness
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Seafood Lover’s Delight is a luxurious, restaurant-style dish that combines a medley of fresh seafood — shrimp, scallops, crab, and fish — in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfectly seasoned and baked or served over pasta, this decadent meal is a true treat for any seafood enthusiast.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb scallops
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 1/2 lb white fish (such as cod or halibut), cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or use seafood stock)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked pasta, rice, or toasted bread for serving
Instructions
- Pat all seafood dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and scallops to the pan, cooking 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Add fish chunks and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside with other seafood.
- Pour in white wine (or stock) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked seafood and crab meat to the skillet, stirring gently to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for best flavor, but frozen (thawed) works well too.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
- Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Pairs beautifully with garlic bread, white wine, or a crisp side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp bring sweetness and succulence to the dish.
Scallops: Tender and buttery, they sear beautifully and elevate the meal’s richness.
White Fish (like cod or halibut): Adds substance and mild flavor to balance the seafood medley.
Mussels or Clams: Optional but perfect for that authentic, ocean-inspired touch.
Butter: The base of the sauce — rich, creamy, and essential for flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the seafood and adds depth.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and taste.
Shallots: Provide sweetness and a delicate onion flavor that complements seafood.
White Wine (optional): Adds acidity and complexity to the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luxurious, velvety, and indulgent.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, salty layer to the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Brings color and freshness to finish the dish.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but vital for seasoning.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Seafood
Pat the shrimp, scallops, and fish dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the scallops for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside. Do the same with the shrimp and fish, cooking just until opaque. Remove all seafood from the pan — you’ll finish it in the sauce later.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter if needed, then sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Return the seared seafood to the pan and gently toss in the sauce until coated and warmed through — about 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or alongside toasted baguette slices for soaking up the sauce.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time is 20 minutes, and total time is 35 minutes — impressive results in under an hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid boiling, as it can make the seafood tough. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it reheats well for next-day indulgence.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Cajun Seafood Delight
Add Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne for a Southern-inspired kick.
Tomato Cream Version
Stir in a few tablespoons of tomato paste or marinara for a rosy, tangy twist.
Garlic Herb Butter Base
Skip the cream and make a lighter version with lemony garlic butter sauce.
Pasta Lover’s Edition
Toss the seafood and sauce with linguine or fettuccine for a restaurant-style seafood pasta.
Lobster Upgrade
Add chunks of lobster tail for a luxurious take on this already indulgent dish.
White Wine and Dill Twist
Use dry white wine and fresh dill for a lighter, aromatic flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before searing to prevent excess moisture.
2. Can I skip the wine?
Absolutely — replace it with seafood stock or extra lemon juice for acidity.
3. What type of fish works best?
Mild white fish like cod, halibut, or haddock are excellent choices.
4. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner — consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch for thickness.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Yes — spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus make great additions.
6. How do I prevent overcooking the seafood?
Cook each type briefly before making the sauce, then reheat gently in the finished sauce.
7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and olive oil instead of butter and heavy cream.
8. What should I serve it with?
Crusty bread, rice, or pasta all complement the sauce beautifully.
9. Can I make it ahead?
Prepare the sauce ahead, but cook the seafood fresh for best texture.
10. How can I make it extra flavorful?
Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of grated lemon zest and Parmesan.
Conclusion
Seafood Lover’s Delight is a show-stopping dish that celebrates the beauty and flavor of the sea. With its luxurious garlic cream sauce, tender seafood, and bright citrus notes, it’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this dish brings the essence of a fine seafood restaurant straight to your kitchen — creamy, aromatic, and absolutely unforgettable.
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