11 Feb DIY Seafood Platter with Blake’s Fine Foods

Share a tempting seafood platter with friends and family with all the freshest ingredients. These platters are quite easy to arrange, and they bring something special to the table.

Here’s How You Can Create the Ultimate DIY Seafood Platter

Whether it’s a romantic platter for two or a big spread to feed the masses, seafood platters are always a dinner party hit.

Key Components of a Seafood Platter

Remember, the best seafood platters have a few key ingredients that take them over the top:

1. Crustaceans: These are the stars of the platter, and the showstopper among them is definitely the lobster.
2. Bivalves: Nothing screams seafood like oysters on a platter, but there also are clams, scallops on the half shell, and mussels among many appetizing ones. If you don’t enjoy raw oysters, you can grill them in the shell, resulting in a completely different flavour profile.
3. Caviar: Adding either caviar or roe makes the dish spectacular.
4. Garnish: Garnishing isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s also for flavour. Fresh dill adds a nice aroma, and a pop of colour and tastes amazing with seafood. Don’t forget to add lemon and lime wedges.

With these components, your DIY Seafood Platter is going to be a hit!

What Seafood to Choose

Choosing which seafood you’d like to incorporate is entirely a matter of personal preference, but it’s important to make it easy for everyone enjoying the platter.

1.
Always have a star, like a lobster if possible. Don’t forget to slice your large shellfish, such as white clams, in half for easier eating.

2. Provide a variety of large and small cooked prawns. You will be amazed at how different they can taste; some sweet, some slightly salty and others even creamy or buttery. Clean the prawns by peeling them but leaving the heads and tails on for a better presentation.
3. You might also want to provide a variety of cooked and raw oysters to keep everyone happy.
4. To fish, or not to fish? A cold seafood platter can consist of tuna or salmon sashimi. Otherwise, if you’re preparing a cooked seafood platter, something with fresh fish would do well, in which Hake, Kingklip, and Canadian Sole combined with an assortment of fried seafood, will be delightful.

Here are two seafood platter options for you to try:

Option 1: Chilled Seafood Medley

• Sashimi-grade Yellowfin Tuna
• Slice thinly for a sashimi platter, served with soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger and a drizzle of ponzu sauce.
• Or sear the tuna, slice and serve as tuna tataki, garnished with sesame, ginger and caviar.
• Fresh Oysters
• Serve on crushed ice with lemon wedges and mignonette sauce.
• Chilled Prawn Cocktail
• Serve with lemon-garlic aioli and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Cold Smoked Salmon Rolls
• Filled with cultured cream (crème fraiche) and capers, topped with caviar.

Option 2: Grilled & Seared Delights

• Grilled Atlantic Mackerel
• Butterflied and grilled with lemon, garlic and olive oil. Serve with a side of herbed cultured cream (crème fraiche) and crispy capers for a burst of flavour.
• Seared Scallops caramelised to perfection finished with a touch of citrus zest and microgreens for freshness.
• Grilled Lobster Tails
• Brushed with garlic butter and crowned with a hint of caviar.

Plating a seafood platter

It really is easy to create an attractive seafood platter to bring summer vibes. Be generous in terms of types of seafood and accompaniments but also in the beauty of presentation

Plan the platter beforehand by having everything cleaned, cut, and other ingredients prepared such as sauces, dressing, or salads. It’s important that the seafood is plated at the last possible minute and served immediately.

Start by arranging chilled items on a platter filled with crushed ice. For the grilled and seared items, keep them warm on a wooden board or stone platter.

Start with the largest seafood first, place the lobsters on the platter, then the crabs (if using). Add any bowls containing caviar, sauces or dressings. It’s best to serve most dressings on the side, allowing for easy passing, but it is aesthetically pleasing to have at least one sauce or dressing placed directly on the platter.

After the large seafood, place the medium-large prawns, followed by the oysters. Include the smaller prawns afterwards, they can be placed into any gaps.

Finally, fill any remaining gaps with fresh sprigs of dill (or the herb of your choice) and lime or lemon wedges. This will enhance the presentation and add a refreshing touch.

Don’t forget the drinks!

Since you have gone through all the effort of creating a gorgeous seafood platter, put some thought into the drinks you will serve alongside. A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or even a dry Riesling, is also an excellent choice. Sparkling wine or champagne is a must alongside lobster and caviar. For crab, cold beer works wonderfully; opt for a light ale.

At Blake’s Fine Foods, we provide the highest quality ingredients to ensure your DIY seafood platter is truly exceptional. Discover our selection of A-grade seafood and meat products sourced from both local and international suppliers. Your next culinary masterpiece begins with us.

Contact Blake’s Fine Foods today and make every dinner party unforgettable!