Happy November, Seafoodies!
And welcome to the Thanksgiving countdown! In three short weeks, we’ll be enjoying a sumptuous feast with family and friends. Since we always want to make this food-focused celebration both mouthwatering and memorable, we’ll share one sure-fire tip to get you on the shortlist for Best Host of the Year—serve some seafood! Seafood adds a festive and elegant bite to any celebration, blends beautifully with fall flavor profiles and will make the pescatarians at your table very thankful. Not hosting this year? We’ve got you covered with seafood recipes that will be a very welcome addition to any Thanksgiving potluck!
Our November Meal Plan will tempt you with holiday-worthy starters, sides and main dishes featuring shrimp, tuna, lobster, crab and more! With all the culinary juggling we do on Thanksgiving, the last thing we want is to add anything high-maintenance to the mix. So, we’ve pulled together some low-fuss recipes that you can make ahead or assemble quickly. These dishes are all omnivore-approved as well, so we advise making enough for the whole crowd to enjoy!
Let your guests nibble on easy apps like zesty, cranberry-laced shrimp cocktail or crunchy shrimp toast, while you put the finishing touches on the main meal. For sides, we’re loving these plump, grilled oysters, gooey mac and cheese studded with delicate langostino tails (think mini lobsters), and a buttery oyster casserole that’s sure to become a new Thanksgiving tradition. And if you’re going full pescatarian this year — or just want to offer a turkey alternative — how about some decadent, seafood-stuffed lobster, a spectacular, pomegranate-glazed roasted salmon, or lump crabmeat tossed with garlic and butternut squash “voodles”? These inspired dishes complement traditional holiday fare with a little coastal flair. And, spoiler alert: They’re guaranteed to steal the show. Um, usual Thanksgiving table suspects? Prepare to be upstaged!
But, hey, we’re not saying you should serve seafood just because it’s likely to help you win friends and influence people (but trust us, it will). Seafood is a nourishing, high-protein food that will satisfy you and your guests without weighing you down, making it less likely that you’ll need a post-Thanksgiving nap or extra treadmill time the next day. And thanks to the protein and heart-healthy fats in seafood, fish and shellfish are great foods to eat to help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is especially important when there are so many delicious holiday carbohydrate-rich foods calling our names! It’s also a great way to work toward the 2 to 3 servings of seafood each week that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend we eat to stay mentally sharp and physically fit.
Bon apétit, Seafoodies!
Appetizers
Shrimp, crusty bread and some pantry staples are all you need to make these quick and satisfying toasts. We love them with some grated Parmesan and a dash of Old Bay seasoning.
Ooh la la! Your guests will gobble up these flavorful patties topped with tangy, lemon-caper sauce, and you’ll love that you can prepare the croquettes in advance and reheat.
Cranberry Basil Shrimp Cocktail
Very seasonally appropriate! Cranberries add extra zing to a basil-laced cocktail sauce, the perfect foil for steamed or poached shrimp.
Maple-soy glazed scallops are wrapped in bacon for an irresistible treat. Try vegetarian bacon to make this salty-sweet dish fully pescatarian.
C’est magnifique! This simple, sardine-cream cheese spread makes the most of pantry staples and packs a ton of flavor.
An innovative twist on the popular Thanksgiving starter, these savory, sardine-stuffed eggs are guaranteed to be snatched up quickly.
Side Dishes
Char-Grilled Honey Parmesan Oysters
Oh, so good! Briny oysters are topped with a delectable honey-cheese mixture, then grilled to perfection.
Panko-Crusted Langostino Macaroni and Cheese
Move over, green bean casserole! This sophisticated side features tender morsels of seafood, three cheeses and a golden-brown panko crust.
A Southern classic that pairs perfectly with turkey — and just about everything else! This marvelous mix of plump oysters, sautéed veggies and creamy goodness is topped with buttery breadcrumbs.
Crabby, in the best possible way! Served with crackers or crudites, this blend of surimi and herbed cheese makes a delightful holiday dip.
Main Dishes
Ready to go cold (or no) turkey? This main-dish lobster stuffed with a trio of shellfish will rise to the occasion! Or serve the rich stuffing on its own as a splendid side.
Talk about making an entrance! This dazzling salmon dish is dressed to impress and makes a magnificent Thanksgiving meal.
Spicy Garlic Lump Crab Butternut Squash Pasta with Feta and Parsley
To offset more indulgent Thanksgiving fare, try this light “pasta” tossed with succulent crab, salty feta and fresh herbs.
Instant Pot Curry Shrimp Chowder
Almond butter adds some richness to this aromatic soup that’s chock-full of tender shrimp, edamame and fresh veggies.
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