Right here’s what we placed on our seafood platter, a staple on Christmas Day for the RecipeTin Household! Our high suggestions for what to get, the place finest to spend your cash and the place to not, and our favorite seafood sauces. Plus, a video on the Sydney Fish Markets – watch me select the seafood!
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Seafood-Platter_Sony-5.jpg?w=900)
A lifetime of consuming seafood!
In in the present day’s recipe, I’m sharing all of the objects we placed on our seafood platter – a staple on Christmas Day! We love the convenience (principally no-cook, simply assembling) and since it’s a deal with reserved for particular events. Australian seafood is unimaginable, however good high quality seafood is just not low-cost!
That is why we’re fairly meticulous with analysis and taste-testing our seafood – we even write nerdy notes to ourselves as reminders, to refine our purchases for the following store. As a result of there’s nothing extra disappointing than spending hard-earned cash on costly crab solely to seek out it tastes utterly bland.
So this submit in the present day is basically our buying record of what we embody on our seafood platter. Study from all the information we have now picked up over a lifetime of seafood consuming, and watch me purchase the seafood on the Sydney Fish Markets to place the seafood platter collectively in in the present day’s video!
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nagi-Sydney-Fish-Markets.jpg?w=900)
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Seafood-team-lunch.jpg?w=900)
THREE RULES WE LIVE BY for tastier seafood*
-
At all times purchase Australian.
-
The much less it’s been frozen, the higher.
-
Keep away from pre-packaged* (it’s smelly). Purchase contemporary from open shows.
* There are some exceptions and explanations to this rule, famous towards particular objects. See Seafood Shopping for Ideas part beneath for extra data!
SUMMARY – What we put on our seafood platter
Here’s a abstract record of what goes on our seafood platter. Please see beneath sections on the why, why not, and additional suggestions. Notice: I’m in Sydney, Australia.
1. pre-cooked seafood, served chilly
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Cold-seafood-section-graphic.jpg?w=900)
That is the seafood we get that we bought pre-cooked, or seafood that’s served uncooked. All the things we get is Australian – we particularly guarantee it’s as a result of we all know it will likely be higher.
-
Prawns (pre-cooked) – Tiger, king or banana prawns.
-
Oysters – Pacific or Sydney Rock (Tasmanian and Merimbula oysters are my favourites)
-
Morton Bay Bugs (over Balmain Bugs) – Pre-cooked.
-
Blue swimmer crabs (finest over 350g) – Pre-cooked. Alternatively: Spanner crabs, however learn crab part beneath (together with king crab & mud crab recommendation).
-
Sashimi – Kingfish, tuna, salmon are most typical
-
Smoked salmon – Bought in packets, I solely get Huon (Tasmanian).
-
Dipping sauces – Our Household Favorite Seafood Sauce, and Tartare or Marie Rose sauce (recipes right here)
TIPS: Seafood high quality is best at fish mongers and the fish markets, one cause being they give the impression of being after it higher than giant chain grocery shops. For all of the above, we solely get Australian, and seafood that’s undergone as little freezing as potential. The freshest seafood has by no means been frozen: caught and bought ideally on the identical day. Nevertheless the truth is a few seafood must be snap frozen at sea earlier than reaching market and is bought thawed. This consists of even cooked prawns on the fish markets throughout Christmas time. Executed correctly, glorious seafood high quality remains to be maintained.
However the level is, the much less freezing-thawing cycles, the higher. The worst is: Caught > frozen > thawed > cooked > frozen > thawed (like low-cost lobster at grocery shops seemingly is). High quality degrades with every step!
2. luxurious seafoods – ONLY BUY in the event you can afford high quality
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Luxury-seafood-collage.jpg?w=900)
Listed here are the top-ticket seafood platter signatures that we strongly suggest solely shopping for in the event you can afford good high quality. And certainly not will your platter be any much less scrumptious with out them! These are usually not regulars on our seafood platter.
-
Lobster (crayfish) – Not value it except you possibly can afford $100+/kg for prime quality lobster. A budget grocery retailer lobsters are garbage (sorry, however they’re). Lobster serving recipes right here.
-
King crab (~$90/kg) – Everyone loves the large meaty crab legs! Whereas they’re bought pre-cooked for comfort, we discover the pre-cooked product very hit or miss. King crab is imported which might additionally play a component within the variability of high quality. So we stopped shopping for pre-cooked king crab after too many disappointments for such an costly meals. Need king crab? Greatest purchase uncooked legs and cook dinner it your self.
-
Mud crab (~$90/kg) – Purchase it dwell and cook dinner it your self (right here’s the right way to put together mud crab). You don’t see usually see frozen or cooked mud crab. If shopping for cooked mud crab, test with the vendor how contemporary it’s and when it was alive (we’re suspicious by nature and assume it was half useless so that they cooked it).
3. SEAFOOD WE COOK (SOMETIMES)
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Cooked-seafood-graphics.jpg?w=900)
Whereas our seafood platter is generally comprised of chilly pre-cooked seafood, if we do have cooked seafood, these are the dishes we mostly embody.
-
Child octopus – Bought in baggage frozen or uncooked, marinated then BBQ’d till the legs are charred and crispy! Uncommon seafood merchandise that freezes properly.
-
Mussels – Cooked forward and served at room temperature (it’s so nice!). Mussels are a uncommon seafood merchandise that vac packs properly. Our favorite model are Kinkawooka blue mussels (highest quality, juiciest!) – search for the purple bag, bought even at common grocery shops.
-
Salt and pepper squid – 3 years within the making, we lastly cracked the proper salt and pepper squid! That is on the RecipeTin Household Christmas menu for this 12 months. Recipe coming earlier than Christmas…
4. STANDARD SIDES
Listed here are the usual sides we serve alongside a seafood platter:
And truthfully, that’s all we do. We hold it easy to let the seafood shine! Additionally, as a result of Christmas must be about be enjoyable not slaving within the kitchen, is our motto. 🙂
![Overhead photo of Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries with vinaigrette dressing on the side](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Apple-Salad-with-Candied-Walnuts-Cranberries_2-2.jpg)
![Close up of homemade Artisan style crusty bread loaf](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/No-Knead-Crusty-Artisan-Bread_2.jpg)
5. GOING THE EXTRA MILE
If we’re feeling notably impressed or have VIP visitors, we’ll go the additional mile and add “particular” further dishes. Issues we attain for embody:
-
Christmas Baked Salmon – A giant assertion aspect of salmon that’s made for Christmas festivities!
-
Crispy Beer Battered Fish – and I exaggerate not after I say they’re crispy and keep crispy!
-
Crispy Selfmade Fries – they’re crispy even lengthy after they cool
-
Retailer purchased potato gems (tater tots) – I’m not even going to fake we try and make these. We purchase frozen, we love ’em, and I’m not ashamed to inform the world! For particular events, we even deep fry them as a substitute of baking (OMG I do know, you’re horrified).
-
Chinese language Honey Prawns – OMG YES!!! Crunchier than you’ve ever had at any Chinese language restaurant, these will blow your thoughts!
-
Singapore Chilli Crab – A giant, big, assertion major.
-
Complete Baked Fish – The dill butter sauce is every thing….
-
Every other seafood or fish recipe – right here’s the full assortment.
5. seafood sauces
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Seafood-dipping-sauces-1.jpg?w=900)
With the above contemporary seafood, we merely serve with contemporary lemon wedges and two sauces (recipes right here):
-
Household Favorite Seafood Sauce – A household staple. Everyone who’s tried this sauce loves it! It’s basically a mash up of Marie Rose Sauce and Tartare sauce with the added freshness from dill. It’s a bit particular, and all the time a success. 🙂
-
Marie Rose / Thousand Island – The traditional pink sauce.
-
Cocktail Seafood Sauce – A piquant crimson sauce that goes heavier on the tomato sauce (ketchup).
-
Tartare Sauce – It’s superb how significantly better selfmade tastes, even utilizing jar mayo. But so easy!
-
Thai Chilli Lime Sauce – Tangy with lime and hit of candy chilli, for a beautiful no-mayo contemporary sauce various.
Our customary alternative is the Household Favorite Seafood Sauce plus both Marie Rose or Tartare.
Discover all of the Seafood Dipping Sauces right here.
Extra about every seafood merchandise
I warned you I’ve quite a bit to say about seafood!! 😂 So on this part, I’m delving into extra particulars about every.
Prawns
![5 great Prawn Dipping Sauces: Cocktail / Seafood Sauce, Tartare, Marie Rose / Thousand Island, or a Thai Chilli Lime Sauce for something fresher. recipetineats.com](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Prawn-Dipping-Sauces-5.jpg)
Prawns are a reliable favorite in Australia, and we’re blessed with an abundance of fantastic high quality prawns! The three most typical varieties are:
-
Tiger prawns – Extra salty and savoury.
-
King prawns – Extra of a candy flavour. (You’d count on them to be bigger, however they aren’t all the time!).
-
Banana prawns – Candy, gentle flavour, and sometimes extra economical
We love all of them, and can fortunately eat any of them.
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tiger-prawns.jpg?w=900)
TIPS
-
We purchase them pre-cooked – Most Australian prawns are cooked quickly after being caught, which locks in freshness and flavour. So long as they’re contemporary, the standard is superb. You could possibly additionally purchase them uncooked and boil your self.
-
Remember to get Australian prawns as a result of the flavour is superior, the flesh is sweeter, and to help the Australian fishing business! Whereas most tiger and king prawns are regionally sourced, imported banana prawns are extra widespread. Simply pay attention to the show label.
-
Keep away from pre-packaged prawns. They are often much less contemporary and smelly, beware! If that’s all you may get, take them out properly earlier than serving, give them a superb rinse then depart to air dry.
-
TOP TIP: Ask for a style take a look at before you purchase!
Moreton Bay bugs – the higher worth lobster
That is considered one of our gold nugget suggestions! 🥰
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Moreton-Bay-Bugs-on-seafood-platter.jpg?w=900)
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Seafood-Platter-Moreton-Bay-Bug2.jpg?w=900)
We choose to eat Moreton Bay bugs as a substitute of lobster. They style just like lobster but are about 70% cheaper at ~$40/kg. In actual fact, Moreton Bay bugs (and Balmain bugs) are a slipper lobster and are intently associated to rock lobsters, so the flavour similarity isn’t a surprise!
Moreton Bay bugs even have a better meat-to-shell ratio (30-40% yield) than lobster and are simpler to chop. They’re extra compact in form, so simpler to retailer too. They’re caught on the northern a part of Australia’s coast, principally off the coast of Queensland.
We purchase them pre-cooked (orange-coloured) which is the most typical approach they’re bought, although you may get them uncooked (aka “inexperienced”, on the proper beneath) and cook dinner your self (simply boil them).
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Balmain-and-Moreton-Bay-Bugs.jpg?w=900)
Balmain bugs vs Moreton Bay bugs – Balmain Bugs are the opposite species of slipper lobsters bought in Australia. We often purchase Moreton Bay over Balmain bugs, as we choose the milder flavour, discover the standard often extra dependable, and so they’re additionally typically bigger. Additionally, simply FYI, regardless of the title, Balmain bugs aren’t really caught within the Balmain space of Sydney! They’re caught throughout the southern shoreline of Australia, although primarily in NSW. However in the event you can’t discover Moreton Bay bugs, Balmain bugs is a strong various.
Oysters
Right here in Australia, we have now two types of oysters: Pacific oysters and Sydney Rock oysters. Pacific oysters are typically bigger, with a fleshy, creamy texture. The flavour is clear and gentle. Sydney Rock Oysters are typically smaller, typically with yellow-tinged flesh and have a meatier mouthfeel. The flavour is stronger and extra advanced than Pacific oysters.
I like each of them!
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Oysters.jpg?w=900)
Each these oysters are grown in numerous areas throughout Australia, and the area by which they’re grown impacts high quality and flavour. I’m notably keen on Tasmanian-grown oysters (clear flavour and not using a bitter end, and a few are gigantic!). Merimbula is a Sydney fine-dining favorite supply as are Port Stephens and Batemans Bay. Boomer Bay is a current one I attempted that I loved as properly.
Purchase them already shucked (ie. opened) and serve with lemon wedges, that’s all you want. Although, in the event you’d prefer to attempt a sauce, 3 of our favourites are coming earlier than Christmas!
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Oysters-on-seafood-platter.jpg?w=900)
Crab
I’ve a weird quantity of data to share about crab! Presumably as a result of I like crab nevertheless it’s costly – and it’s a ache to pick the meat particularly in the event you purchase sure varieties. 😂
![Raw blue swimmer crab](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Blue-Swimmer-Crab.jpg)
So right here’s my ideas on crab:
-
Blue swimmer crab (~$35/kg) – This Australian favorite is our choice for worth, flavour and high quality so long as they’re on the massive dimension (350g/ 12 oz+). Something smaller and the ratio of meat-to-shell is just too low, and it’s a ache to choose the meat out of tiny legs. Purchase it cooked, or purchase uncooked and cook dinner your self (simply boil).
-
Spanner crab (~$35/kg) can be good worth however the crab’s anatomy could be very completely different to blue swimmer crabs. The meat is generally within the physique, which is proportionally giant whereas the claws are small and flat. The crab flesh is deliciously candy. Nevertheless it’s fairly positive and extra crumbly than different crabs. Purchase it cooked. You don’t usually see it uncooked.
-
King crab – Individuals love king crab due to the extraordinarily meaty legs and claws, and the agency, candy flesh. However it’s costly! We suggest giving frozen cooked king crab a miss. Over time, we’ve discovered it hit or miss, because it’s typically disappointingly flavourless – such a waste of cash 😭. If you need king crab, purchase the raw legs and cook dinner your self. Notice that king crab is generally imported and as a basic rule, this may have an effect on reliability of high quality. Extra freezing actually appears to degrade the standard of crab.
-
Mud crab – The king of all Aussie crabs! We find it irresistible (particularly Singapore Chilli Crab), however as it’s bought dwell it’s fairly costly and it’s important to cook dinner it your self. You hardly ever see it frozen or pre-cooked. After we do, we’re suspicious because it’s onerous to know the way contemporary the crab was previous to cooking.
Chopping crab for serving – instructions within the recipe card! There’s even a video. 🙂
![Raw mud crab](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Mud-Crab_9.jpg?w=900)
![Nagi live mud crab](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Nagi-kissing-mud-crab.jpg)
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/King-crab-legs.jpg?w=900)
Sashimi (uncooked fish)
Sure, we do! Completely at house on a seafood platter 🙂
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sashimi-for-seafod-platter.jpg?w=900)
There’s no must get hundreds, just a bit bit, for further selection within the platter amongst all that shellfish. We simply go to the sashimi bar on the Sydney Fish Markets and get what seems good or what we really feel like. Kingfish, tuna and salmon are favourites, however we love to combine it up if there are different fascinating fish varieties on provide.
Smoked salmon
A pleasant straightforward one to incorporate on the seafood platter. Everyone loves it, and once more, it provides to selection and abundance!
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Huon-smoked-salmon.jpg?w=900)
The one smoked salmon I get is Huon Salmon. I do know there’s loads of debate concerning the sustainability of salmon farming right here in Australia. Nevertheless based mostly on my analysis (and likewise a go to to their farms in Tasmania), I imagine Huon’s farming practices to be extra sustainable than the opposite main model right here in Australia and imported economical manufacturers, and kinder to native wildlife.
Cooked mussels
A current addition to our chilly seafood platter: cooked mussels served at room temperature. It’s so good! They current properly in the event you cube up the greens actually small so you possibly can scatter them on the mussels for presentation functions. Serve them within the half shell, spooning some mussel cooking liquor sauce into the shells to maintain them moist and add some beautiful further flavour.
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mussels-on-seafood-platter.jpg?w=900)
The mussels pictured above had been cooked utilizing this cookbook recipe however this recipe can even work (related). Simply keep in mind to cube up the greens further small for a sublime look, like pictured above.
Our favorite model of mussels is Kinkawooka which can be found at grocery shops in addition to fish mongers. In comparison with different manufacturers, the mussels are significantly heavier which implies they’re meatier and juicier.
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Nagi-with-Kinkawooka-mussels.jpg?w=900)
Lobster (really, crayfish)
![Cooked lobsters](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Cooked-lobsters.jpg)
So, right here’s the factor with lobster. It’s not an everyday on our seafood platters. As famous above, we often get Moreton Bay bugs as a substitute as a result of it’s so related however much better worth and logistically simpler to chop, retailer and so on.
Nevertheless, I do have information to impart about lobster as a result of I’ve a buddy who catches native lobsters and shares them with me. Additionally, there was that point through the pandemic when our lobster export business got here to a standstill resulting from commerce tensions with China, so there was an abundance of lobsters often bought upwards of $100 at fish mongers going for $20 at common grocery shops.
So I’ve really developed a good quantity of expertise cooking with lobster with out shelling out an extortionate quantity to purchase them!
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lobsters-expensive.jpg?w=900)
Shopping for lobster
If you need lobster in your seafood platter, simply to reiterate what I’ve mentioned a number of occasions earlier, be ready to pay high greenback for it – $100/kg+. There may be truthfully no level shopping for a budget ones (~$10 tails) at grocery shops, they style like nothing! You’re higher off utilizing that price range for extra prawns.
Select Australian lobster – cooked is nice (it’s boiled freshly caught at sea). Then head over to my lobster recipes to decide on one! There are 6 lobster recipes, all of that are suited to inclusion in a seafood platter, together with the right way to lower and put together lobster.
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Lobster-recipes-photo-collage.jpg?w=900)
PS It’s crayfish, not lobster
And only for a little bit of meals trivia: What most individuals name “lobster” right here in Australia technically are usually not lobsters, they’re crayfish. They’re virtually the identical in look, however they don’t have the large pincers that lobsters have within the US and Europe. We don’t have true lobsters right here in Australia. 😊
TOP TIPS FOR BUYING & storing SEAFOOD
Listed here are some suggestions for getting seafood. The overarching precept to recollect is that seafood is extremely perishable, so must be dealt with correctly to take care of high quality. Most seafood loses high quality (texture particularly but additionally flavour) when not frozen correctly or frozen-then-thawed excessively.
-
Purchase Australian. It may not be the most affordable, nevertheless it’s tastier. Why? The standard of our fisheries and processors, and proximity to the patron means a more energizing product.
-
Purchase contemporary somewhat than frozen. Each time seafood is frozen, high quality is misplaced (flavour, texture). Although, there are a couple of exceptions, like child octopus, famous within the sections above.
-
Pre-cooked seafood is superb – and that’s what we principally purchase (prawns, crab, Morton bay bugs). It’s boiled at sea quickly after being caught to lock in freshness and flavour!
-
Don’t stretch your price range and get swept up within the “will need to have lobster” frenzy – except you possibly can afford the good things. Low-cost lobster tastes of nothing – been there, accomplished that!! As an alternative, purchase extra prawns. 🙂
-
Purchase from contemporary seafood shows somewhat than pre-packaged. It’s simply more energizing and higher when seafood can breathe and is on show for buyers to see. Pre-packaged seafood (vacuum sealed or in containers with cling wrap) will get smelly and who is aware of how lengthy it’s been within the pack. I notably keep away from vacuum-sealed seafood with a shelf lifetime of weeks. That’s simply plain improper!
-
The sniff take a look at – It’s straightforward to inform in case your seafood is contemporary: simply scent it. Contemporary seafood smells just like the ocean. Not very contemporary seafood smells disagreeable and “fishy”! Earlier than tossing it although, give it a superb rinse. Typically, the “off” scent can simply be the juices from poorly packaged or dealt with seafood. That is why I choose shopping for seafood from open shows somewhat than pre-packaged.
-
By no means re-freeze seafood that’s been beforehand frozen. You may cook dinner thawed uncooked seafood, then freeze it. However ought to by no means thaw uncooked or cooked seafood purchased frozen, then freeze it once more. (The exception is seafood that will have been industrially frozen at sea – see earlier explanations).
-
Keep away from storing seafood in plastic baggage the place potential – To maintain seafood contemporary longer, don’t retailer in plastic baggage – particularly if in a single day or longer. Moisture and lack of air circulation speed up the spoiling course of. Transfer your seafood to a roomy container or deep plate with a rack on the backside so air can flow into round it. Wrap loosely with cling movie. The seafood stays more energizing longer and avoids that terrible sliminess and fishy scent that builds up if left suffocating in fish juice in a plastic bag!
Why we purchase pre-cooked seafood
![Pre-cooked prawns](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tiger-prawns.jpg)
Our seafood platter is predominantly chilly seafood that we bought already cooked. The explanation for that is easy – the standard of pre-cooked seafood right here in Australia is superb (if you recognize what to purchase) and it’s handy.
In the event you’re pondering – certainly uncooked seafood I cook dinner myself goes to be higher – it may be true, nevertheless it’s usually pricier and additional work to arrange!
Really, pre-cooked seafood might be a number of the finest tasting seafood you purchase as a result of it’s boiled at sea as quickly as it’s caught, locking in contemporary flavour when it’s at its prime. Prawns are an important instance of this, with most prawns bought at fish mongers right here in Australia bought pre-cooked.
Pre-cooking additionally offers with the logistical problem related to how extremely perishable seafood is as a result of it extends the shelf life, in addition to making the seafood extra reasonably priced for customers.
The place I purchase seafood
For particular events, I’m going to the Sydney Fish Markets the place you get higher choice and extra constantly increased high quality. However on a day after day foundation, I simply go to my native fish monger.
![Mud Crab at Sydney Fish Markets](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Claudios-Sydney-Fish-Markets.jpg)
I typically don’t purchase seafood from the grocery retailer, simply because I discover the standard is just not that nice and isn’t all the time dealt with with the care it must be.
I do suppose although that right here in Australia, we’re very fortunate to have an abundance of fine high quality seafood, so even seafood from grocery shops is definitely not that dangerous. I’m only a bit fussy – I’d somewhat bask in seafood much less usually and spend slightly extra to get good high quality seafood after I do. That’s simply the way in which I roll. 🙂
How we put collectively the seafood platter
And with all that data and opinions shared, we lastly arrive on the serving and consuming half!
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Seafood-Platter_Sony-8.jpg?w=900)
For the RecipeTin Household, one of many issues that appeals to us a few seafood platter is that it’s basically no-cook, and it’s a chilly major which is good for warm summer season Aussie Christmases. So that you actually pull it out of the fridge, pile it up onto platters then serve!
OK, OK. I can provide slightly extra steering right here, in case you’re . Right here we go:
-
Ice mattress – If we have now ice, we’ll unfold that onto a giant serving platter, tray or a number of plates. This not solely retains the seafood chilly, but additionally gives a pleasant non-slip mattress to place the seafood on.
-
Assembling – Pile the seafood on the ice, randomly scatter lemon wedges round then nestle in bowls of sauces. A number of sprigs of parsley may also make it onto the platter – however that’s actually going above and past. 😂
Laying out the seafood
There’s no guidelines for the way in which I lay out the seafood, besides logistical issues:
-
Oysters laid out principally in a single layer or fastidiously shingled to keep away from the oyster juices from spilling
-
Mussels laid out the identical as oysters so the sauce stays in with out spilling
-
Prawns, Moreton Bay bugs and crab – piled excessive (reserve the crab carapace (high shell) for adornment)
-
Sashimi – fanned out
-
Smoked salmon – randomly draped round
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Putting-the-platter-together.jpg?w=900)
Issues of serving (tip: finger bowls!)
To serve, we put the platters out together with loads of napkins, bowls for discarded shells and finger bowls of water with lemon slices for individuals to dip their arms in for a short clear earlier than diving again in for extra seafood.
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Seafood-Platter_Sony-9.jpg?w=900)
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Team-lunch-seafood-platter.jpg?w=900)
How else can I aid you?
And with that, I believe I’m accomplished! Or – am I? Are there any crucial issues I’ve missed? Is there different seafood you’d prefer to learn about? Comparable to, let’s say, abalone. A extremely prized delicacy right here in Australia – why doesn’t it make our lower, you might be questioning??
This and every other questions you might have, please depart them beneath and we’ll do our greatest to handle them and replace this submit with further data. I can’t promise I’ll proceed to do that past Christmas 2023, however I can promise that we’ll monitor questions and replace this submit main as much as Christmas Day. As a result of the entire objective of doing in the present day’s submit is to assist readers who wish to put collectively a tremendous seafood platter!
I hope you discover this convenient and benefit from the little video of my buying journey to the Sydney Fish Markets to decide on and buy seafood for the seafood platter featured on this submit. – Nagi x
Watch the right way to make it
Video of me selecting seafood on the Sydney Fish Markets and placing a seafood platter collectively:
Additionally, slightly tutorial on the right way to lower and put together Moreton Bay Bugs and Balmain Bugs in your seafood platter:
Hungry for extra? Subscribe to my e-newsletter and observe alongside on Fb, Pinterest and Instagram for the entire newest updates.
![RecipeTin Seafood platter](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Seafood-Platter_Sony-5.jpg?w=206&h=206&crop=1)
Seafood Platter
Essential
Australian, Western
Servings8
Faucet or hover to scale
Substances
- 2 kg / 3 lb complete prawns , pre-cooked, shell on (Tiger, King or Banana prawns)
- 24 oysters – Sydney Rock or Pacific , love each (Tasmanian, Merimbula and Port Stephens are favourites)
- 4 blue swimmer crabs (400g/14oz+) (not smaller), pre-cooked in shell, complete
- 8 Moreton Bay bugs , pre-cooked in shell, complete (fallback – Balmain Bugs)
- 200g / 7 oz smoked salmon (Huon is the one Australian one I get)
- 250g / 8 oz sashimi , pre-sliced (tuna, kingfish or salmon)
- 1 kg / 2 lb mussels – cooked, served at room temp (Notice 5)
Additional dishes pictured in submit and the video
Directions
-
Buy all seafood as shut as potential to the serving date. We regularly do the 5AM store on the Sydney Fish Markets on Christmas Eve, as a result of we’re barely loopy! We do not order on-line (we like to decide on our personal).
-
Storage – Cooked seafood will simply hold 2 days, contemporary uncooked for cooking will too in the event you take it out of the plastic baggage, put in a colander or related and really loosely cowl with cling wrap (respiration = much less smelly).
-
Crab – To chop the crab, observe instructions in Minimize a Complete Crab besides DO NOT lower off the claws if you’re utilizing a Blue Swimmer Crab. (See word)
-
Moreton Bay bug – To chop the bug, flip it on to its again. Minimize down via the center (the shell is just not too onerous). Clear out the yellow and brown matter within the head, then it is able to serve. Recipe video above.
-
Sauce – Make your sauces of alternative. They are going to be used for dipping prawns, Moreton Bay bugs and crab (I additionally use for vegetable sticks and bread!). Refrigerate till required (2 days+).
-
Mussels – Make mussels, if utilizing. Nice served at room temperature on a chilly seafood platter.
Assembling:
-
Ice (non-obligatory) – Cowl a big platter with ice. This retains the seafood chilly in addition to offering a non-slip mattress.
-
Pile the prawns, crab and bugs on to the platter. Drape smoked salmon randomly round. Fan out the sushi.
-
Oysters – Place them degree to keep away from the juices within the shells spilling out (what a waste!).
-
Mussels – Break off one shell, and serve within the remaining shell. Then place the mussels in a single layer, or shingled (stacked however degree). Spoon on slightly of the diced greens and a few reserved mussel cooking liquor.
-
Sauce and lemon – Nestle bowls stuffed with sauces amongst the seafood and scatter over lemon wedges. Serve alongside finger bowls for cleansing and bowls to discard shells, and plenty of napkins. Fill glasses with wine, cheers to Christmas! Now dive in!
Recipe Notes:
See in submit for extra suggestions and ideas on every merchandise listed. Abstract factors beneath!
- Prawns – Tiger, king and banana prawns in Australia are all nice, although if I needed to choose one I’d select tiger prawns (I like the salty barely extra intense flavour). Be careful for imported – Australian prawns are superior in flavour.
- Oyster – Each Sydney Rock (smaller, stronger flavour) and Pacific (fleshier, cleaner flavour) oysters are nice. These are the 2 varieties right here in Australia. The standard and flavour comes right down to the place and the way they’re grown.
- Moreton Bay bugs – The “higher worth lobster”!. At ~$40/kg, they’re simpler to chop, to eat and have a better meat-to-shell ratio. There’s actually no level getting low-cost lobster, tastes of nothing. In the event you get lobster, it’s worthwhile to spend $100/kg+. Don’t hassle with low-cost lobster!
- Crab – Blue swimmer crabs for the most effective for flavour (in our view) and worth, however don’t get small ones <350g/12oz, it’s a ache to get the meat out. Spanner crab can be nice however all of the meat is within the shell (lower per identical instructions). Mud crab and king crab – please learn in submit for our view on these (purchase uncooked, be certain it’s Australian, and cook dinner your self), they’re costly so get it proper!
- Mussels – cooked utilizing this cookbook recipe or this recipe, however cube the greens very small (to make use of as garnish on mussels). Cool to room temperature then serve on platter.
Lifetime of Dozer
One among my favorite photographs of Dozer within the cookbook. Buried smack bang in the course of the e-book, it have to be fairly a shock for individuals who don’t know me to be flicking via tasty meals photographs then instantly come throughout this!! 😂 (Web page 174, Restaurant Worthy Prawn Linguine).
![](https://www.recipetineats.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Dozer-prawn-shot_5-3.jpg?w=900)