For many families, turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie are ingrained in the Thanksgiving tradition. But if you're looking to change up your holiday meal this year, incorporating fresh, delicious seafood can offer a unique and savory twist on those tired classics. Whether complementing traditional dishes or as the star of the show, seafood adds bold new flavors to your Thanksgiving feast.
At Tommy’s Seafood, we’ve been providing quality shrimp, oysters, fish and crab to New Orleans restaurants and families for over 30 years. Now we're sharing some of our favorite recipes to inspire your Thanksgiving seafood spread. These dishes promise to wow your guests without sacrificing the comforts of tradition.
For a rich, coastal take on stuffing, oven-roasted oysters and smoky bacon combine with cornbread, peppers and herbs. The briny oysters pair perfectly with the sweetness of cornbread and bell peppers. Drizzle with oyster liquor before serving for an extra splash of soulful flavor. It’s sure to become your new favorite Thanksgiving side.
This classic Cajun stew, simmered with shrimp, peppers and spices, makes for a memorable Thanksgiving entrée. The hearty tomato-based broth is perfect for chilly fall weather. Serve over fluffy white rice for soaking up the incredible flavors. Pass the hot sauce for those who like an extra kick. Your guests will be asking for seconds.
elevate your appetizer game with crispy crab cakes paired with a zesty homemade aioli. A simple mixture of jumbo lump crab meat, bread crumbs, egg and spices yields cakes that are crispy on the outside while staying moist and tender within. The bright, citrusy aioli adds the perfect finishing touch. Your guests will be delighted by these gourmet bites.
For an elegant main course, buttery sea scallops are seared to caramelized perfection and napped with a decadent citrus beurre blanc sauce. The sweet, tangy sauce complements the scallops beautifully. Paired with roasted autumn vegetables, this refined dish will make your Thanksgiving table truly gourmet.
Deviled eggs get a fantastic upgrade with the addition of smoky, salty smoked salmon. The rich salmon and creamy egg filling pair divinely on top of small crisp toast rounds for tasty, single-bite appetizers. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges for added festive flair. Light yet satisfying, these will be the first appetizers to disappear.
For a one-pot meal that captures New Orleans flavor, you can't go wrong with a hearty shrimp and sausage gumbo. Tommy’s plump, juicy shrimp are cooked in a deeply flavorful broth with spicy andouille sausage, okra, onions, peppers and rice. The richness of the roux base pairs flawlessly with the sweet shrimp. Easy to make in big batches, this soul-warming gumbo is perfect for feeding a crowd.
For an incredibly impressive centerpiece, bake a whole seasonal fish like sea bass or snapper surrounded by lemons, herbs and garlic. The fish roasts beautifully, retaining moisture and becoming infused with Mediterranean flavors. Serve family-style and watch your guests marvel at this celebratory entrée. The buttery, flaky meat will have everyone going back for more.
Salmon, potatoes and corn simmered in a velvety cream base make this chowder irresistible. The incredible texture and flavor of Tommy's wild-caught salmon is highlighted beautifully in this dish - not to mention its omega-3 health benefits! Hearty enough for a meal yet elegant enough for holiday dining, this salmon chowder is sure to satisfy.
Seafood makes a fabulous addition to your Thanksgiving table. Be sure to order your shrimp, fish, crab and oysters from Tommy's Seafood online or at one of our retail locations in New Orleans. Our seafood experts are always happy to answer questions and provide recipe ideas to make your holiday meals extra special. From our family to yours, we wish you a seafood-filled, joyful Thanksgiving!
