Christmas dinner takes on a whole new shine when seafood steps up and steals the spotlight. These recipes bring rich texture, clean flavor, and that elevated edge that makes the table feel instantly more luxurious. We lean into smart cooking techniques and ingredients that stay festive without turning fussy. Every dish delivers holiday comfort with a little extra polish that guests actually notice.
Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs
The crab legs steam until the meat turns sweet, tender, and easy to pull from the shell. We like how clean the flavor stays when all the focus is on the crab itself.
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Grilled Salmon in Foil
The salmon stays moist under the foil while the heat builds a gentle char on the edges. Bright herbs and citrus punch through for a simple but bold finish.
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Pan-Seared Cod with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce
The cod gets a crisp, golden crust while staying delicate inside. The tomatoes blister into a rich, saucy burst that tastes like peak summer.
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Shrimp Creole
The sauce cooks down deep and spicy, wrapping every shrimp in bold Creole heat. It’s a fast, flavor-heavy dish that hits big spoonful after spoonful.
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Shrimp Saganaki with Crispy Fried Halloumi
The shrimp simmer in a tomato-forward, garlicky base while the halloumi brings salty crunch on top. We reach for this one when we want comfort with a punch.
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Grilled Scallops with Parmesan and Lemon
High heat sears the scallops until the centers stay buttery-soft. Parmesan and lemon cut through with sharp, bright flavor.
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Mini Tarragon Butter Lobster Rolls (Connecticut Style)
Warm lobster soaks up tarragon butter and stays rich without feeling heavy. These mini rolls make every bite feel like a throwback to peak summer.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tarragon Butter Lobster Rolls (Connecticut Style)
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
The bacon crisps around the shrimp, adding smoky fat to every bite. It’s quick, salty, and impossible to stop picking at.
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Fisherman’s Stew
Tender seafood settles into a broth layered with tomato, herbs, and a slow build of heat. Each spoonful feels rustic and deeply satisfying.
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Easy Fresh Fish Ceviche
The citrus cures the fish into a bright, firm bite with clean, sharp flavor. We love how fresh it stays with just a few crisp add-ins.
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Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon
The cedar plank infuses the salmon with soft, woodsy smoke while keeping it moist. Lemon and herbs finish it with a light, aromatic edge.
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Steamed Whole Dungeness Crab
The crab steams gently so the meat stays tender and naturally sweet. Cracking into it feels like the payoff of a slow, hands-on feast.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Whole Dungeness Crab
Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass
The sea bass caramelizes into a crisp top layer while staying rich and flaky underneath. A quick sear is all it needs for big flavor.
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Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Steam traps inside the foil and cooks the shrimp, corn, and potatoes into a full, seasoned boil. Everything absorbs the spices without losing moisture.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Quick and Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos
The shrimp grill fast and stay juicy, picking up smoke and spice in seconds. A squeeze of lime finishes them with sharp, bright heat.
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Clams Casino
The clams broil under a buttery, garlicky crumb topping that turns crisp and savory. It’s a salty, briny bite that disappears fast.
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Crispy Fritto Misto with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce
Light batter keeps the seafood crisp without weighing it down. The lemon dill sauce cuts through with tangy freshness every time you dip.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fritto Misto with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce
