15+ Christmas Seafood Recipes, Perfect Holiday Meals

There’s something special about the way the kitchen smells when you’re prepping seafood for a holiday meal. Maybe it’s because Christmas at our house always meant my uncle bringing over a cooler packed with scallops and shrimp, or the way my mom insisted on adding at least one seafood dish to the table no matter what the rest of the menu looked like. I remember the buzz—someone peeling prawns at the counter, lemon wedges in a bowl, the kettle whistling for mulled wine. That’s why 15+ Christmas seafood recipes, perfect holiday meals, feels close to my heart. Seafood makes any gathering feel a little more luxurious, while still fitting right into that come-as-you-are, pass-the-napkins holiday spirit.

1. Holiday Baked Stuffed Lobster

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe feels like a showstopper but is surprisingly simple if you’ve never tackled lobster at home. It always turns heads at the Christmas table and makes the meal feel extra festive. Plus, the stuffing—full of buttery breadcrumbs, herbs, and bits of sweet claw meat—soaks up all the ocean-y juices.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 large lobster (about 1.5 lbs), cooked
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Split the cooked lobster in half lengthwise and remove the stomach and intestinal vein. Leave the meat in the shell.
3. Gently lift out the tail and claw meat, chop into pieces, then mix with breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, shallot, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the mixture back into the lobster shells.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of chopped tarragon to the stuffing for an aromatic twist.

Serving Idea: Serve with a simple green salad and crusty baguette to soak up the juices.

2. Garlic Butter Christmas Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

When you need something fast but festive, this garlicky shrimp dish always delivers. It’s the one I throw together when friends show up early or I need a reliable addition to the spread. Butter, garlic, and lemon keep it classic, while fresh parsley makes it look special with almost no effort.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minutes.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in parsley and lemon juice.
5. Serve immediately with lemon slices.

Swap This With That: Try lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus kick.

Best Pairings: Pair with roasted potatoes or holiday rice pilaf.

3. Christmas Eve Cioppino (Italian Seafood Stew)

Why You’ll Love It:

My family grew up celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes, and cioppino is our centerpiece dish. Tomato-rich broth, clams, mussels, fish, and shrimp—everyone gets their favorite bite. It’s perfect for cold evenings when you want something warming but still celebratory.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 fennel bulb, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups seafood stock
• 1 lb cod or halibut fillets, cut into chunks
• 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb mussels, scrubbed
• 1/2 lb clams, scrubbed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped basil, for garnish
• Sourdough bread, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and fennel until soft.
2. Add red pepper flakes and pour in white wine, letting it reduce for 3 minutes.
3. Add crushed tomatoes and seafood stock; simmer 20 minutes.
4. Add fish and cook 5 minutes. Add shrimp, mussels, and clams. Cover and steam until shells open, 5-8 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with basil, and ladle into bowls with toasted bread.

Meal Prep Tip: Make the broth ahead of time; rewarm and add seafood just before serving.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook the seafood—add it last so it stays tender.

4. Creamy White Wine Mussels with Herbs

Why You’ll Love It:

Mussels are budget-friendly, fast to cook, and feel upscale enough for Christmas. The sauce is silky from a splash of cream and wine. I love piling these on the table with a bowl for shells and plenty of good bread.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 lbs fresh mussels, scrubbed and bearded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crusty bread, for serving
• Lemon wedges, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and garlic over medium heat until fragrant.
2. Pour in white wine and bring to a simmer.
3. Add mussels, cover, and cook 4–5 minutes until they open.
4. Remove mussels; stir cream and parsley into the broth.
5. Return mussels to coat in sauce, season, and serve with bread and lemon.

Flavor Boost: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra depth.

Serving Idea: Offer warm finger bowls with lemon water for guests to clean their hands.

5. Oven-Roasted Salmon with Pomegranate Glaze

Why You’ll Love It:

The jewel-bright glaze makes this dish sparkle on a Christmas platter. It’s my pick for holiday potlucks when I want something both vibrant and easily shareable. Plus, roasting frees up stove space for sides.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 lbs salmon fillet, skin on
• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill or parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Place salmon on the sheet, season with salt and pepper.
3. Simmer pomegranate juice, honey, soy sauce, and mustard in a saucepan until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Brush half the glaze on salmon; roast 15–20 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway.
5. Top with pomegranate seeds and herbs before serving.

Best Pairings: Serve with wild rice pilaf or roasted winter vegetables.

Personal Note: Pomegranate seeds make everything look festive—kids love adding them.

6. Crab & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my go-to when I need a hand-held appetizer that guests can’t resist. Flaky pastry, crab, and cream cheese make it rich but easy to eat standing up, chatting around the holiday buffet.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 6 oz lump crab meat
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix crab, cream cheese, mayo, lemon zest, chives, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread mixture over puff pastry. Roll up tightly and slice into 1-inch pieces.
4. Place rolls on parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Substitute imitation crab for real crab to save money.

Serving Idea: Serve with store-bought or homemade lemon aioli.

7. Classic Italian Baccalà (Salt Cod Stew)

Why You’ll Love It:

If you’ve never cooked with salt cod, this is a great holiday tradition. My nonna made this every December, and the savory tomato sauce with flaky fish is seriously comforting. Serve with bread for mopping up the sauce.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 30 minutes (does not include 24-hr soaking time)

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 lbs salt cod, soaked 24 hrs and cut into pieces
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup green olives
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup water
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Rinse soaked cod and pat dry.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomatoes, water, and cook 20 minutes.
5. Add cod and olives, simmer gently 25 minutes until fish flakes easily.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Insufficient soaking—always soak cod for at least 24 hours to remove excess salt.

Serving Idea: Serve with warm focaccia or a green salad.

8. Parmesan-Crusted Scallops

Why You’ll Love It:

Quick, elegant, and just the right combo of crispy and tender. I reach for this when I want to impress but refuse to spend all night by the stove. The parmesan coating browns beautifully under the broiler.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb sea scallops
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat broiler and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Mix panko, parmesan, lemon zest, and parsley in a bowl.
3. Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each scallop in melted butter, then breadcrumb mixture.
5. Arrange on baking sheet and broil 8–10 minutes until golden.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix.

Best Pairings: Serve with garlic green beans or a fresh winter slaw.

9. Lemon Dill Grilled Trout Fillets

Why You’ll Love It:

When someone asks for something light but still special, grilled trout is my answer. It’s a breath of fresh air among heavier holiday dishes, and the dill and lemon really brighten things up.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 trout fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped dill, plus extra for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Brush fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Season with dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat grill to medium-high; grill fillets skin-side down 6–7 minutes, then flip and cook 2 minutes more.
3. Serve with more fresh dill and lemon wedges.

Swap This With That: Substitute salmon fillets if trout isn’t available.

Best Pairings: Roasted fingerling potatoes and sautéed spinach.

10. Christmas Seafood Paella

Why You’ll Love It:

This Spanish classic is my pick when feeding a crowd. The colors alone—red peppers, pink shrimp, saffron rice—look gorgeous on a holiday table. And no one minds if it’s a little imperfect, just as long as there are crispy rice bits.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups short-grain rice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1/4 cup warm water
• 5 cups chicken or seafood stock
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled
• 12 mussels, scrubbed
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. In a paella pan, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in olive oil.
2. Stir in rice, paprika, and saffron (with soaking water), cooking for 2 minutes.
3. Add stock and simmer 15 minutes.
4. Tuck in shrimp and mussels; cook uncovered until mussels open and rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Add peas for the last 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and lemon.

Serving Idea: Paella is perfect for a serve-yourself buffet.

Meal Prep Tip: Prep veggies and measure spices ahead to keep things stress-free.

11. Seafood & Spinach Christmas Lasagna

Why You’ll Love It:

Lasagna is comfort food, and seafood-laced white sauce with spinach makes it feel holiday-ready without being heavy. This feeds a crowd and holds up well on the buffet.

Serving size: Serves 10

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 1 lb raw shrimp, cut into pieces
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups prepared white sauce (bechamel)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan for topping

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix shrimp, crab, spinach, ricotta, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Layer noodles, seafood mixture, mozzarella, and white sauce in a greased baking dish. Repeat layers.
4. Finish with noodles, sauce, and parmesan.
5. Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 minutes more until bubbly.

Meal Prep Tip: Assemble lasagna the day before; bake fresh for serving.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t use watery spinach—sauté or squeeze out excess moisture first.

12. Festive Tuna Carpaccio with Capers

Why You’ll Love It:

When you want something ultra-light and elegant, tuna carpaccio always looks special. It’s striking on a platter and can be prepped in minutes for a modern, no-cook starter.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 oz sushi-grade tuna, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained
• 1 tablespoon microgreens or baby arugula
• Salt and cracked pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Arrange tuna slices on a chilled plate in a single layer.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Scatter with capers, microgreens, salt, and cracked pepper.
4. Serve immediately.

Swap This With That: Use thinly sliced salmon or yellowtail as a variation.

Serving Idea: Serve with crostini or thin crackers.

13. Maple-Glazed Roasted Arctic Char

Why You’ll Love It:

Arctic char is rich like salmon but a little milder—perfect when you want something unique for a celebratory meal. The maple glaze gives a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lb arctic char fillet
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Orange slices and fresh thyme for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place char fillet on a foil-lined baking sheet, season with salt and pepper.
3. Whisk maple syrup, soy sauce, orange juice, and mustard. Brush over fish.
4. Roast 15–18 minutes until flakes easily.
5. Garnish with orange slices and thyme before serving.

Best Pairings: Roasted Brussels sprouts and wild rice.

Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the glaze for gentle heat.

14. Winter Citrus Cured Salmon Gravlax

Why You’ll Love It:

Gravlax is easier than it looks and an ideal make-ahead highlight for a Christmas brunch. The zesty citrus cure complements the salmon’s richness, and leftovers are fabulous on bagels the next day.

Serving size: Serves 12

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 48 hours curing)

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 48 hours curing)

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 lbs skin-on salmon fillet
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 bunch fresh dill
• Plastic wrap

How to Make It:

1. Mix salt, sugar, citrus zests, and chopped dill.
2. Place salmon, skin side down, on plastic wrap. Cover flesh with curing mix.
3. Wrap tightly, weigh down with a baking dish, and refrigerate 48 hours, turning once.
4. Wipe off cure, slice thinly to serve.

Meal Prep Tip: Gravlax keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days after curing.

Serving Idea: Serve on rye or sourdough with horseradish sauce.

15. Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms

Why You’ll Love It:

These are party-perfect finger foods. Seafood and cheese baked into bite-sized mushrooms always disappear first from the holiday appetizer platter—easy to prep ahead, too.

Serving size: Serves 8

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 24 large white mushrooms
• 6 oz lump crab meat
• 4 oz cooked shrimp, chopped
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove mushroom stems and chop finely.
3. Mix stems, crab, shrimp, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Fill mushroom caps with mixture and place on baking sheet.
5. Bake 18–20 minutes until tops are golden.

Flavor Boost: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.

Serving Idea: Plate with parsley and lemon wedges for bright presentation.

16. Miso-Glazed Black Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

This feels restaurant-worthy with only a few pantry ingredients. The sweet-salty glaze turns silky black cod buttery and luscious with almost no effort. It’s one of my “quietly fancy” holiday mains.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 black cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1/4 cup white miso paste
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sake (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Whisk miso, sugar, mirin, soy, and sake.
2. Spread over cod and marinate in fridge at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat broiler. Remove excess marinade.
4. Place fillets, skin side down, on foil-lined broiler pan; broil 12–15 minutes until caramelized and fish flakes easily.

Best Pairings: Steamed jasmine rice and sesame vegetables.

Personal Note: This dish works beautifully in small portions for a multi-course holiday dinner.

17. Chilled Christmas Crab Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my answer for a make-ahead, no-stress starter. Sweet crab tossed with crisp veggies in a tangy dressing looks lovely layered in small glasses or on a platter with avocado slices.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 ripe avocados, sliced
• Microgreens for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Gently combine crab, mayo, lemon juice, cucumber, red pepper, and chives.
2. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
3. Serve on a platter or spoon into individual glasses, topped with avocado and microgreens.

Swap This With That: Use cooked chopped shrimp instead of crab for a different seafood salad.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Mix in surimi (imitation crab) for a lighter take.

18. Herbed Seafood Risotto

Why You’ll Love It:

Risotto is always creamy comfort. Toss in shrimp, scallops, and a flutter of herbs and you have a centerpiece dish that feels dressed up without being fussy. Everyone loves a scoop of this on a cold December night.

Serving size: Serves 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups seafood or chicken stock, warmed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and chopped
• 8 oz bay scallops
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and dill
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in butter in a large pan until translucent.
2. Add rice and toast 1 minutes.
3. Pour in wine, stir until absorbed.
4. Add stock, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until each addition’s absorbed.
5. Stir in shrimp and scallops in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Remove from heat, stir in herbs and parmesan. Serve immediately.

Meal Prep Tip: Prepare all ingredients before starting risotto—it cooks quickly once you begin.

Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest at the end for bright flavor.

FAQ

What kind of seafood recipes are most popular for Christmas?

Shrimp, crab, and salmon dishes tend to be most popular because they’re simple to prepare, festive, and appeal to a wide range of guests. Dishes like shrimp cocktail, baked salmon, and classic crab appetizers are always crowd-pleasers.

Can I prep most of these Christmas seafood recipes ahead?

Absolutely. Many seafood recipes, like gravlax, crab salad, and stuffed mushrooms, can be prepped in advance. Stews, lasagnas, and paellas are also great make-ahead dishes that just need reheating or quick finishing touches.

How do I pick the freshest seafood for holiday meals?

Look for seafood with a fresh, clean smell (never fishy), firm texture, and clear eyes or shells. Buy from a reputable fishmonger and, if possible, shop the same day you plan to serve it for the best flavor.

What are easy sides to serve with Christmas seafood dishes?

Simple sides like roasted vegetables, lemony rice, a big salad, or crusty bread pair beautifully with seafood. Light, herby sides help balance richer main dishes and let the seafood shine.

Conclusion

Seafood at Christmas feels both simple and celebratory—it’s a way of saying “this meal matters” without making things complicated in the kitchen. Whether you’re reaching for shrimp, salmon, mussels, or a mix of the sea’s best, these 15+ Christmas seafood recipes, perfect holiday meals, are meant to bring people together in the glow of good food and familiar company. I hope these ideas inspire your own table, whether you’re gathering with a big family or just a few. Don’t be afraid to swap ingredients, tweak flavors, and find your own favorites. The joy is in the cooking, sharing, and those little moments spent around the holiday table. Happy cooking.