Seafood Dishes

Grilled Mixed Seafood Platter

This Grilled Mixed Seafood Platter is a show-stopping feast featuring succulent lobster tails, juicy shrimp skewers, tender scallops, and flavorful chorizo, all basted in a rich herb butter sauce. Paired with grilled corn, potatoes, and blistered shishito peppers, this dish is perfect for summer cookouts, special occasions, or anytime you crave a restaurant-quality seafood meal at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Herb Butter:

  • ½ cup butter (1 stick)
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh tarragon, chopped
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Seafood:

  • 2 lobster tails (5-6 oz each), cut in half lengthwise
  • 8 scallops on the shell (or use foil cups)
  • 8 tbsp hot chorizo, diced into small pieces
  • 16 wild-caught shrimp (shell on, 26-30/lb size)

For the Accompaniments:

  • 8-16 mini potatoes, halved
  • 2 ears of corn, cut into 4 pieces each
  • 8-16 shishito peppers
  • 1-2 tsp avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Finishing salt

For Serving (Optional):

  • Leaf lettuce
  • Lemon wedges
  • Chopped chives & parsley

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter

  • Melt butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (4-5 minutes).
  • Stir in lemon juice, parsley, chives, tarragon, salt, and pepper.
  • Reserve ½ cup for cooking and keep the rest warm for serving.

Step 2: Cook the Chorizo

  • In a small dry pan, cook diced chorizo over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

  • Place potatoes in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and season with salt.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for 10-14 minutes until fork-tender.
  • Drain and toss in your favorite dressing.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

  • Heat grill to 450°F.

Step 5: Blister the Shishito Peppers

  • Toss peppers in avocado oil.
  • Cook in a hot skillet for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until charred.
  • Sprinkle with finishing salt.

Step 6: Grill the Corn

  • Brush corn with herb butter.
  • Grill, turning often, for 10 minutes, basting 2-3 times.

Step 7: Grill the Seafood

  • Skewer the lobster tails to prevent curling and the shrimp for easy flipping.
  • Place lobster halves flesh-side down and grill for 2 minutes. Flip and baste with butter sauce.
  • Add shrimp skewers and brush with butter sauce.
  • Place scallops (in shells or foil cups) on the grill and spoon ½ tbsp butter sauce over each.
  • Grill everything for 5-8 minutes, flipping shrimp halfway through and basting again.
  • Cook until:
    • Lobster meat is opaque and reaches 135°F.
    • Shrimp shells are pink and meat is white/opaque.
    • Scallops are milky white or opaque, reaching 120°F-125°F (they will continue to cook in butter sauce).
  • Sprinkle scallops with crispy chorizo and fresh herbs.

Step 8: Assemble the Platter & Serve

  • Line a platter with leaf lettuce or parchment paper.
  • Arrange grilled seafood, corn, potatoes, and shishito peppers.
  • Serve immediately with reserved butter sauce, lemon wedges, and chopped herbs.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Protein: ~35g
  • Carbohydrates: ~25g
  • Fat: ~25g
  • Sodium: ~700mg

Why This Grilled Seafood Platter is a Must-Try

This dish is more than just an ordinary seafood meal—it’s an unforgettable experience that brings together some of the best flavors from the sea and land. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

  • A Variety of Seafood for Maximum Flavor: Combining lobster, shrimp, and scallops ensures a diverse and exciting bite every time.
  • Rich and Flavorful Herb Butter: A mixture of butter, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a decadent sauce that enhances every element of the platter.
  • The Perfect Balance of Sweet, Smoky, and Savory: The seafood’s natural sweetness is complemented by the smoky char from the grill and the spice from the chorizo.
  • A Complete Meal in One Dish: With grilled vegetables and potatoes, this platter provides everything needed for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
  • Visually Stunning and Perfect for Entertaining: This seafood feast is not only delicious but also makes a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering.

The Secret to Perfectly Grilled Seafood

Grilling seafood requires attention to detail to ensure that each type of protein is cooked perfectly without becoming overdone.

  • Use High-Quality, Fresh Seafood: Always opt for fresh, wild-caught seafood whenever possible to achieve the best flavor and texture.
  • Control the Grill Temperature: A medium-high heat (around 450°F) is ideal for grilling seafood, providing a good sear without overcooking.
  • Baste Continuously with Butter: This helps keep the seafood moist while infusing it with rich, herbaceous flavors.
  • Cook Each Protein to the Right Temperature: Lobster should be opaque and reach 135°F, shrimp should be pink and white, and scallops should have a slightly translucent center at 120°F-125°F.
  • Use Skewers for Easier Handling: Skewering the lobster tails and shrimp prevents them from curling and makes flipping easier.

The Role of Chorizo in This Dish

Adding crispy chorizo to the seafood platter brings a smoky, spicy contrast that complements the sweetness of the shellfish. The chorizo is cooked separately until crispy, then sprinkled over the scallops, adding depth and a satisfying crunch.

  • Enhances the Umami Flavor: The rich spices and cured meatiness of chorizo intensify the overall taste.
  • Adds a Slight Heat: The subtle spice of chorizo balances the buttery seafood.
  • Provides a Crispy Texture: A nice contrast to the soft, tender seafood.

If you prefer a milder version, you can use a sweet Spanish chorizo instead of the spicier Mexican variety.

The Herb Butter – A Game Changer

A well-made herb butter sauce is what ties this entire dish together. The combination of butter, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs creates an incredibly aromatic and flavorful baste that enhances every bite.

  • Butter for Richness: Gives the seafood a luscious, indulgent coating.
  • Olive Oil for Balance: Helps prevent the butter from burning on the grill.
  • Garlic for Depth: Adds a warm, savory aroma to the dish.
  • Fresh Herbs for Brightness: Parsley, chives, and tarragon provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the seafood.
  • Lemon Juice for Acidity: Cuts through the fat and enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Brushing this sauce over the seafood as it grills ensures that every bite is bursting with bold, buttery goodness.

Grilled Vegetables – The Perfect Side Dishes

To complement the richness of the seafood, this platter includes a selection of grilled vegetables that add texture and variety.

  • Grilled Corn: Naturally sweet, corn caramelizes on the grill and absorbs the herb butter for extra flavor.
  • Blistered Shishito Peppers: These mild, smoky peppers provide a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the seafood.
  • Baby Potatoes: Soft and creamy, potatoes add a hearty element to the dish while soaking up the delicious butter sauce.

These accompaniments make the meal feel complete, offering a mix of flavors that enhance the overall dish.

Plating and Serving the Seafood Platter

Presentation is key when serving a dish as grand as this seafood platter. Here are some tips for arranging it beautifully:

  • Use a Large Serving Platter: A rustic wooden board or a large white platter makes a great backdrop for the colorful seafood.
  • Layer the Ingredients Thoughtfully: Start with a bed of leaf lettuce or parchment paper, then arrange the seafood in the center with vegetables surrounding it.
  • Garnish for Extra Appeal: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, and a few lemon wedges to brighten the dish.
  • Serve with Extra Herb Butter: Offer a small dish of melted butter for dipping to enhance the flavors even further.

Pairing Suggestions for the Ultimate Dining Experience

This Grilled Mixed Seafood Platter pairs wonderfully with refreshing drinks and side dishes that enhance its flavors.

  • Beverage Pairings: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy beer complements the seafood’s richness.
  • Light Salads: A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the dish with freshness.
  • Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra butter sauce.
  • Tropical Cocktails: A pineapple margarita or a mojito adds a fun, tropical touch to the meal.

Making the Dish Ahead of Time

While this platter is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, some elements can be prepared in advance to save time:

  • Prepare the Marinade and Herb Butter: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Pre-Cook the Potatoes: Boil them ahead of time and grill them just before serving.
  • Clean and Prep the Seafood: Keep everything chilled until ready to grill.

Why You Should Try This Grilled Mixed Seafood Platter

This recipe offers a restaurant-quality dining experience in the comfort of your home. It’s the perfect dish for summer gatherings, date nights, or any special occasion when you want to impress your guests.

  • Packed with Bold, Fresh Flavors: The combination of seafood, herb butter, and smoky chorizo creates an unforgettable taste.
  • Visually Stunning Presentation: A beautiful, colorful platter that looks just as good as it tastes.
  • Easy to Customize: Swap out ingredients or add different seafood options like crab legs or mussels.
  • A Complete and Satisfying Meal: With protein, vegetables, and carbs, this platter offers a well-balanced dining experience.

Conclusion

A Grilled Mixed Seafood Platter is the ultimate way to enjoy a luxurious, flavorful meal that highlights the best of fresh seafood. With tender lobster tails, juicy shrimp, buttery scallops, and smoky chorizo, all basted in a garlic-herb butter sauce, this dish is bursting with bold flavors and textures.

Perfect for summer cookouts, special celebrations, or when you simply want to indulge in a seafood feast, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. Fire up the grill, gather your favorite people, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy seafood experience right at home!

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