Sizzling Seafood Platter Recipe: A Golden Fried Feast

Crispy, golden waves of ocean delight dance across this incredible seafood platter recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Salt-kissed flavors mingle with perfectly crunchy textures waiting to enchant your palate.

Coastal memories emerge from each carefully prepared bite of tender fish and succulent shellfish.

Delicate marinades and expert coating techniques guarantee an irresistible crunch that makes everyone swoon.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike can master this simple yet spectacular dish with confidence.

Seafood lovers will find themselves transported to seaside restaurants with every spectacular forkful.

Let’s unlock the secrets of creating restaurant-quality fried seafood that feels like a celebration on your plate.

Why Fried Seafood Platter Is A Seafood Lover’s Dream

• Create Delectable Variety: Enjoy a mouth-watering mix of shrimp, fish, calamari, and scallops that offers something special for every seafood enthusiast.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn an easy frying method that transforms fresh seafood into crispy, golden delights with basic kitchen skills and minimal preparation.
• Perfect Party Showstopper: Impress guests with a stunning platter that serves multiple people, making it ideal for gatherings, game days, and casual get-togethers.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Experiment with spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and seasonings to match your taste preferences and create a personalized seafood experience.

What Ingredients Go Into Fried Seafood Platter

• Shrimp: Fresh ocean protein that adds sweet and delicate flavor to the platter.
• Fish Fillets: White fish that provides a mild and flaky texture when fried.
• Calamari: Tender sea rings that create a classic seafood experience.
• Scallops: Delicate sea medallions with a soft and buttery character.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the seafood and creates a smooth coating base.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornmeal: Dry mix that creates a crispy and golden exterior for the seafood.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that add depth and subtle heat to the coating.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil perfect for deep frying and achieving a crisp golden texture.

• Lemon Wedges, Tartar Sauce, Cocktail Sauce: Classic condiments that complement the fried seafood and add brightness and tanginess.

How To Make Fried Seafood Platter At Home

Step 1: Marinate Seafood

Gently rinse shrimp, fish fillets, calamari, and scallops under cool water. Pat each piece completely dry using paper towels. Transfer seafood to a large mixing bowl and pour buttermilk over the pieces. Allow seafood to soak and tenderize for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix dry ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform coating mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Frying Station

Select a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot. Pour vegetable oil to ensure enough depth for complete seafood submersion. Heat oil to 350°F, monitoring temperature with a cooking thermometer.

Step 4: Dredge and Fry Seafood

• Shrimp: Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes
• Fish fillets: Cook until crispy and flaky, approximately 4-5 minutes
• Calamari: Quick fry for 1-2 minutes
• Scallops: Golden and tender, around 2-3 minutes

Step 5: Drain and Rest

Transfer fried seafood onto a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Allow excess oil to drip away, keeping seafood crisp and light.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange golden seafood on a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges. Serve immediately alongside homemade tartar sauce and zesty cocktail sauce for dipping.

Helpful Cooking Notes For Fried Seafood Platter

• Pat seafood completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering during frying.
• Use buttermilk to marinate seafood for extra tenderness and help breading adhere better to the protein.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F for even cooking and golden-brown exterior without greasy results.
• Fry seafood in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain oil temperature, which keeps the coating crisp and light.
• Drain fried seafood on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent bottoms from becoming soggy and preserve crunchiness.

New Ways To Serve Fried Seafood Platter

• Cajun Seafood Fest: Add extra cayenne, blackened seasoning, and hot sauce to the coating for a spicy Southern-style seafood experience with bold, fiery flavors.
• Mediterranean Herb Crunch: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and basil into the coating, then serve with tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges for a Mediterranean-inspired seafood platter.
• Asian Crispy Seafood: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk, add panko breadcrumbs to the coating, and serve with sweet chili sauce and lime for an Asian-inspired crispy seafood plate.
• Gluten-Free Ocean Blend: Substitute wheat flour with rice flour or almond flour, use gluten-free cornmeal, and maintain the same seasoning profile for a celiac-friendly seafood platter.

Perfect Sides For Fried Seafood Platter

• Elevate Zesty Citrus Pairing: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the seafood's delicate flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's bright notes.
• Boost Flavor Harmony: Serve alongside a tangy remoulade or spicy aioli sauce to amplify the seafood's crispy texture and add an extra layer of exciting taste complexity.
• Create Refreshing Contrast: Pair with a light, crisp coleslaw that provides a cool, crunchy counterpoint to the hot, golden-fried seafood, balancing the plate's temperature and texture.
• Match Regional Inspiration: Serve with ice-cold beer, particularly a light lager or pilsner, which echoes coastal dining traditions and helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, crunchy seafood.

How To Store Fried Seafood Platter The Right Way

• Store leftover fried seafood in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread seafood on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
• Arrange seafood in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Fried Seafood Platter Questions Made Easy

• Why use buttermilk to marinate seafood?

Buttermilk contains enzymes that help tenderize the seafood and create a softer texture. It also helps the coating stick better, ensuring a crispy and flavorful outer layer.

• Can I use different types of seafood?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses shrimp, fish, calamari, and scallops, you can customize it with your favorite seafood like crab, oysters, or even lobster pieces.

• How do I know when the seafood is perfectly fried?

Look for a golden-brown color and crispy exterior. Each type of seafood has a slightly different cooking time, so pay attention to the recommended minutes and watch for that beautiful golden color.

Fried Seafood Platter Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden fried seafood platter brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your dinner table. Succulent shrimp, tender calamari, and flaky fish fillets create a delightful symphony of ocean-fresh textures you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound fish fillets (cod, haddock, or catfish), cut into portions
• 12 ounces calamari rings
• 12 ounces sea scallops

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Liquid Ingredient:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Cleanse the ocean treasures – shrimp, fish fillets, calamari, and scallops – thoroughly under cool water, then delicately blot excess moisture using absorbent towels.
2. Immerse the seafood in buttermilk for 15-20 minutes, allowing the liquid to enhance tenderness and create a perfect adhesive base for the crispy exterior.
3. Craft the seasoned coating by blending flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a wide, shallow container.
4. Warm vegetable oil in a capacious skillet or deep fryer until it reaches precisely 350°F, ensuring sufficient depth to completely submerge the maritime delicacies.
5. Dredge each seafood piece through the spiced coating, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Carefully lower shrimp into the hot oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp transformation.
7. Follow with fish fillets, frying for 4-5 minutes until they develop a crunchy, amber exterior.
8. Briefly submerge calamari for 1-2 minutes, watching for a light golden hue.
9. Gently place scallops in the oil, cooking 2-3 minutes until they turn a delectable golden brown.
10. Extract each seafood piece using a slotted utensil, allowing excess oil to drain on a wire rack or absorbent paper.
11. Artfully arrange the crispy seafood on a generous platter, accompanied by zesty lemon wedges and complementary tartar and cocktail sauces.

Notes

• Marinate seafood in buttermilk to enhance tenderness and create a perfect crispy coating that locks in moisture.
• Use a mix of cornmeal and flour for an extra crunchy texture that provides a satisfying golden-brown exterior.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to prevent greasy seafood and ensure even, crisp frying without burning.
• Pat seafood completely dry before coating to help breading adhere better and create a crispier final result.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg