Seafood Platter Recipe Guide: Ultimate Wine Pairings & Serving Tips

Seafood Platter Recipe: Elevate Your Seafood Plate with Wine Pairings

Few dishes capture the pure joy of coastal dining quite like a seafood platter. With sweet crab, succulent shrimp, and briny oysters, this classic seafood plate brings the flavors of the ocean straight to your table. Whether you're hosting a special celebration or craving a taste of summer, this seafood platter recipe is your key to a restaurant-worthy experience—especially when paired with the perfect wine. Let’s dive into everything you need to know, from the freshest ingredients to broiled seafood platter recipes, cold seafood platter recipe variations, and unbeatable wine recommendations for your next seafood feast.

About This Dish

The seafood platter recipe—known in France as plateau de fruits de mer—has roots in festive gatherings along the coasts of Europe and North America. Traditionally, it showcases a bounty of the sea: crab, shrimp, oysters, and often shellfish like lobster, mussels, or clams. It’s a dish that celebrates freshness, meant to be shared among friends and family, and always presented with a sense of abundance.

In the United States, the seafood plate has evolved into a showstopper at both fine dining restaurants and backyard celebrations. From New England’s raw bar towers to Southern broiled seafood platter recipes, variety is the name of the game. What unites them all is the focus on high-quality, fresh seafood, simply prepared to let the ingredients shine. The classic American-style platter often features chilled shellfish served over crushed ice with vibrant sauces, but you’ll also find broiled and steamed seafood platter recipe styles for those who love a warm, flavorful twist.

What makes a seafood platter special is its versatility. It can be as simple or elaborate as you like, offering options for every palate and occasion. Served with crisp white wine and a medley of dipping sauces, it’s the ultimate conversation starter—and a surefire way to elevate your home dining experience.

Key Ingredients & Their Role

A great seafood platter recipe is all about balance—of textures, flavors, and presentation. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients and why they work so beautifully together:

• Crab: The sweet, delicate meat of cooked crab is a highlight of any seafood plate. Crab offers rich umami and a subtle brininess, making it a perfect match for both zesty vinaigrettes and creamy sauces.
• Shrimp (Prawns): Hand-peeled, fresh prawns bring a satisfying, juicy bite and a gentle sweetness. Their mild flavor is enhanced by herbs like dill and parsley, and they’re equally at home in broiled seafood platter recipes or served chilled on ice.
• Oysters: Fresh oysters provide a burst of ocean flavor—salty, savory, and with a hint of minerality. Their natural brine makes them a classic pairing for crisp, high-acid white wines.
• Sauces & Vinaigrettes: The right sauces elevate each component—a tangy mustard vinaigrette brings brightness, while a herbed mayonnaise adds richness and depth. Lemon wedges cut through the flavors with fresh acidity.
• Herbs (Dill, Parsley, Chives): Fresh herbs add aromatic complexity and a pop of color. Dill and chives work particularly well with seafood, echoing the herbal notes often found in great white wines.
• Crushed Ice: More than just a serving element, crushed ice keeps everything perfectly chilled, ensuring food safety and a refreshing experience.
• Wine Pairing Considerations: The key ingredients in a seafood platter recipe call for wines with lively acidity, minerality, and a clean finish. This keeps the palate refreshed and complements the natural flavors of the seafood, rather than overpowering them.

A well-constructed seafood platter combines the umami depth of crab, the snap of shrimp, the salinity of oysters, and the brightness of lemon and herbs. This harmony is what makes it such a beloved dish—and the ideal canvas for exploring wine pairings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 Cooked crab (whole)
• 400 g Hand-peeled fresh prawns
• 12 Fresh oysters
• 2 Lemons (for serving and vinaigrette)
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (preferably homemade)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp White wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Fresh dill (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp Fresh chives (chopped)
• To taste Salt
• To taste Freshly ground black pepper
• As needed Ice (crushed, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing all the seafood. Ensure that the crab is cleaned and sectioned, the prawns are peeled, and the oysters are shucked. Keep all seafood chilled on ice while preparing the sauces and vinaigrette.
2. Make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp white wine vinegar, the juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gradually drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil while continuously whisking until emulsified. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives for additional flavor. Set aside.
3. Prepare the mayonnaise-based dipping sauce. Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp chopped dill and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
4. Slice the remaining lemon into wedges for serving. Arrange them on a dish, ensuring they are ready for plating.
5. Assemble the skaldjursplatå. Fill a large platter with an even layer of crushed ice. Arrange the crab sections, prawns, and oysters attractively on top of the ice. Place the dipping sauces, vinaigrette, and lemon wedges around the platter.
6. Garnish the platter with fresh dill and parsley for an elegant presentation.
7. Serve immediately, ensuring all seafood remains chilled. Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Chablis, for a perfect match.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 35.0g
• Fat: 12.0g
• Carbohydrates: 8.0g
• Salt: 3.2g

Dietary Information: Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free

Perfect Wine Pairings

A seafood platter recipe truly shines when paired with the right wine. The best wine pairing balances the dish’s freshness and umami, enhancing every bite. Here’s how to choose the perfect bottle for your seafood plate:

What Wine Goes with a Seafood Platter?

• High Acidity: Wines with crisp acidity (think Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis) cut through the richness of crab and creamy sauces, while amplifying the briny notes of oysters.
• Minerality: Whites with mineral undertones echo the ocean flavors of shellfish.
• Low Tannin: Avoid heavy reds; tannins can clash with seafood’s delicate textures.
• Light Body: Light- to medium-bodied wines keep the focus on the seafood, not the glass.

Top Wine Recommendations

Pro Tip: Try New World & Old World Wines

The United States is home to world-class white wines perfect for seafood, from Sonoma’s vibrant Sauvignon Blancs to Willamette Valley Pinot Gris. For a more traditional touch, look for French imports like Chablis or Italian Pinot Grigio. Spanish Albariño is a rising star, delivering excellent value and a perfect wine recommendation for your next seafood plate.

If you prefer reds, a chilled, low-tannin Pinot Noir from Oregon or California works surprisingly well with a broiled seafood platter recipe, especially if served with grilled or roasted shellfish. Stick to lighter-bodied, fruit-forward styles for best results.

For easy shopping, all these wines are widely available at American favorites like Total Wine, Trader Joe’s, BevMo, and many local shops. Use Vinomat to discover your ideal wine match and explore new styles tailored to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Elevating your seafood platter recipe from good to unforgettable is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are expert tips for success:

• Keep It Cold: The most important rule for a cold seafood platter recipe is to keep everything chilled until serving. Prepare an ice bath for seafood as you clean and shuck.
• Use the Freshest Seafood: Buy from reputable fishmongers or seafood counters. Ask about delivery days and choose shellfish that smells like the ocean—not fishy.
• Master Shucking Oysters: Use a proper oyster knife, work over a towel, and always protect your hand. Watch a quick tutorial if you’re new—it’s easier than it seems after a few tries.
• Broiled or Steamed Options: For a warm twist, try a broiled seafood platter recipe—broil shrimp, crab, or lobster with a little herb butter until just cooked. Or, opt for a steamed seafood platter recipe, gently steaming shellfish with aromatics for extra flavor.
• Sauce Variety: Offer at least two sauces—a zesty vinaigrette and a creamy mayo-based dip. This gives guests options and appeals to a range of tastes.
• Don’t Overcook: If cooking seafood, watch closely—overcooked shrimp become rubbery, and crab can dry out quickly. Gentle heat is key.
• Work Ahead: You can prep sauces and clean seafood in advance. Assemble the platter just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Presentation Counts: Arrange seafood artfully atop crushed ice, using herbs and lemon wedges for color and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

A stunning seafood platter recipe deserves an equally memorable presentation. Here’s how to serve it like a pro:

• The Platter: Use a large, shallow dish or a dedicated seafood tower. Chill the platter beforehand for extra cold retention.
• Bed of Ice: Spread a generous layer of crushed ice to keep everything fresh and inviting.
• Arrange with Care: Place crab sections, shrimp, and oysters in distinct clusters. Tuck lemon wedges and herb sprigs between the seafood for pops of color.
• Dipping Sauces and Vinaigrette: Serve sauces in small ramekins around the platter. Include extra lemon wedges and perhaps a tiny bottle of hot sauce for added zest.
• Accompaniments: Offer crusty bread, good butter or olive oil, and perhaps a crisp green salad. Champagne or a well-chosen white wine rounds out the experience.
• Setting the Scene: Serve outdoors for a summer vibe, or light candles and play soft music indoors for a cozy, upscale feel. Individual finger bowls with lemon water help guests clean their hands between bites.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the celebration of flavors in a classic seafood platter recipe. Whether you’re serving a cold seafood platter recipe for a summer gathering, experimenting with broiled seafood platter recipes, or simply enjoying a quiet night in, the right wine pairing transforms your meal into a true occasion. With Vinomat, discovering your perfect wine recommendation is easy—so why not elevate your next seafood plate and toast to the good life? Dive in, explore new pairings, and make every meal a memory.