Fall’s Finest: The Best Seafood and Seasonal Flavor Pairings | Dish on Fish
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Fall’s Finest: The Best Seafood and Seasonal Flavor Pairings

Happy Seafood Sunday, Seafoodies!

With the arrival of cooler temperatures, we find ourselves yearning for the comforting fall flavors that make this season so special. So, grab your coziest sweater because we’re bundling up for one last trip to the farmer’s market, and guess what’s stealing the show on our plates? 

The fabulous combination of nature’s seasonal bounty and seafood! 

Let’s start with some autumnal MVPs—pumpkins and squash! Beyond its role as a canvas for carving, pumpkin is a fall cook’s secret weapon. Its creaminess can transform any seafood dish into a warm and satisfying delight. The natural sweetness from pumpkin and seasonal squash, like butternut and acorn, also plays exceptionally well with fish, adding a mellow depth that complements a wide range of cuisines. If you’ve only associated pumpkin with muffins or spiced lattes, welcome to our kitchen, where we’re about to show you the savory side of this versatile squash! 

Not only are they low in fat and calories, but pumpkin and squash also boast high levels of vitamin C for immune health, beta-carotene for those peepers and dietary fiber that can help curb your appetite. Pair that with the omega-3s, protein and vitamin B12 from  seafood, and you’re unleashing a nutritional match made in heaven! 

While it’s undoubtedly delightful to go pumpkin and squash-picking, we’re all in for the convenience and versatility of canned pumpkin when it comes to this recipe round-up. Just make sure you’re using 100% pureed pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling meant for desserts. Pro tip: canned pureed pumpkin isn’t always available year-round, so stock up on this shelf-stable staple while you can.

A tribute to the tastes of autumn wouldn’t be complete without mentioning maple and brown sugar! When mixed with seafood, these naturally sweet treats turn into a tantalizing harmony of fall flavors for dishes that will carry you through the holidays and beyond. The secret to mastering these seasonal staples is managing sugar levels. You don’t need an abundance of sweetness; just a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar is all it takes to create meals that will undoubtedly become beloved family classics.

So, whether you’re diving into a bowl of pumpkin-infused seafood chowder or savoring the decadence of brown sugar-glazed tilapia, these recipes all celebrate the true essence of fall. 

We can’t wait for you to try them!

Air Fryer Maple-Glazed Salmon with Brussels Sprouts

The true secret of this 20-minute air fryer salmon recipe lies within the extraordinary sauce, combining the ultimate balance of spicy sriracha, savory soy sauce and, of course, sweet maple syrup. 

Gluten-Free Crab-Stuffed Acorn Squash

This dish is a double myth-buster, debunking the falsehoods that: (1) Craveable dishes can’t be good for you and (2) you can’t serve seafood with cheese. Wrong, and wrong! 

Pumpkin Seafood Chowder

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chowder to soothe the soul! This recipe takes the essence of autumn’s favorite gourd and pairs it with a luxurious medley of seafood, creating a rich and creamy chowder that’s the epitome of seasonal comfort food.

Pumpkin Spaghetti Squash Pasta 

For a magnificent pasta dish, look no further than this effortless gluten-free and paleo recipe! Crowned with miso pumpkin sauce and succulent scallops, savor this wholesome, reduced-calorie rendition of a beloved favorite.

Roast Salmon and Butternut Pumpkin with Almond Pesto

Savor the luscious union of a meal that marries the richness of salmon with earthy pumpkin sweetness, while a nutty, herb-infused pesto ties it all together. Dinner is served! 

Easy Maple Soy Shrimp With Garlicky Spinach

Sticky, salty, sweet, and saucy – this recipe will quickly become the only way you’ll want to prepare shrimp from now on. And because the ingredients are minimal, the whole dish takes about 15 minutes to whip up!

Brown Sugar Glazed Tilapia

Rich brown sugar is caramelized to perfection, creating a flavorful crust that pairs beautifully with tender tilapia fillets. Bake in your oven or pull out this recipe next summer for a great grilling option as well!

Seared Scallops with Quinoa and Apple Salad + Butternut Squash Puree

Not only do scallops and squash sound good together, but they taste good together too! The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty makes this dish a symphony of tastes and textures that will upgrade any dining experience. 

Thai Yellow Pumpkin and Seafood Curry

Enjoy a taste of Thailand in your own kitchen with this mouthwatering pumpkin and seafood curry. Carefully selected seasonings and tender seafood come together with a creamy pumpkin base to deliver a burst of authentic Thai flavor that will leave you craving more.

Cheesy Butternut Squash Rice Bowl With Shrimp

Indulge in a bowl of comforting goodness that is not only nourishing but absolutely delicious. Oh, and did we mention this rice bowl is also healthy, easy to make, and exceptional for batch cooking or meal prep?!

Roasted Winter Squash With Seared Cod

As the cold weather settles in, this 30-minute recipe will absolutely make you go back for seconds. From the tender, roasted squash to beautifully seared cod fillets, your family will savor every last bite! 

Maple Walnut Salmon

If you’re in search of a quick, simple dish with just a few ingredients, we’ve got you covered! Maple walnut salmon is gluten-free and low-carb while still delivering big flavor and nutritional benefits! 

Brazilian Shrimp in Pumpkins – Camarão na Moranga

Camarão na Moranga or “Shrimp in Pumpkin” is a creamy seafood stew from Brazil that is beautifully served in a colorful pumpkin! The seasoning and presentation of this wonderful dish are superb for fall and sure to impress any and all guests! 

Pumpkin Mussels

Pumpkin Mussels

A one-pot meal using mussels and pumpkin beer? Count us in! For date night or anytime this mouthwatering dish is worth it for the aromatic broth alone. 

Shrimp Pasta with Butternut Squash Sauce

Bacon and Parmesan infuse richness in this creamy pasta dish, while shrimp and butternut squash provide a lighter touch. You can use canned butternut squash puree or make your own. Bonus points for pairing this masterpiece with a side salad for a complete meal!

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