Introduction
Looking for Christmas dinner ideas that feel special, rich in flavor, and perfect for sharing? Seafood brings a fresh, delicate touch to your holiday table while still feeling warm and comforting. Below, you’ll find a collection of elegant recipes—from buttery lobster to flaky fish—that make your festive meal memorable and delicious.
1. Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
These lobster tails are rich, tender, and perfect for a festive dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Cut the top of each shell and pull the lobster meat upward.
- Mix butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush generously over the lobster meat.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until opaque and tender.
How to Serve It
Brush with extra butter and add lemon wedges for a bright finish.
2. Creamy Lemon Butter Shrimp
A quick yet luxurious dish with a light, velvety sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet.
- Add shrimp; cook 1–2 minutes per side.
- Add garlic and remaining butter.
- Pour in cream and lemon juice; simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
How to Serve It
Top with chopped parsley; great with rice or crusty bread.
3. Herb-Crusted Baked Salmon
This salmon offers a gorgeous flaky texture with a savory crust.
Ingredients
- 1 large salmon fillet
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped dill
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Brush salmon with olive oil.
- Mix breadcrumbs, herbs, zest, salt, and pepper.
- Press onto the salmon.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes.
How to Serve It
Drizzle with fresh lemon juice for a bright contrast.
4. Christmas Scallops with Garlic Herb Butter
Perfectly seared scallops add elegance to any festive table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat scallops dry; season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan on high.
- Sear scallops for 2 minutes per side.
- Melt butter with garlic and parsley; spoon over scallops.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle microgreens or fresh herbs for a pretty finish.
5. Baked Lemon Herb Cod
A gentle, flaky fish that pairs beautifully with citrus and herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place cod in a baking dish.
- Combine butter, lemon, garlic, and paprika; pour over fish.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until flaky.
How to Serve It
Garnish with extra lemon slices for brightness.
6. Shrimp and Herb Risotto
Rich, creamy risotto pairs beautifully with tender shrimp.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion in 1 tbsp butter.
- Add rice; stir for 1 minute.
- Add broth gradually until absorbed.
- Sear shrimp separately.
- Stir shrimp, zest, and remaining butter into risotto.
How to Serve It
Top with fresh parsley.
7. Crispy Panko Shrimp
Crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Coat shrimp in flour, egg, then panko.
- Place on a lined tray; bake 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with lemon wedges.
8. Maple Glazed Salmon
A sweet and savory festive fish option.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Mix maple, soy, lemon, and garlic.
- Pour over salmon.
- Bake 12–15 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with fresh herbs or pomegranate seeds.
9. Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Crunchy, cheesy, and perfect for holiday dining.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, and zest.
- Brush fish with butter; coat with mixture.
- Bake 12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Add parsley on top.
10. Holiday Shrimp Scampi Bake
Bright, savory flavors perfect for Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 6 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Arrange shrimp in a dish.
- Melt butter with garlic and lemon.
- Pour over shrimp; top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake 10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with crusty bread.
11. Ginger Glazed Sea Bass
A delicate fish with a warm seasonal twist.
Ingredients
- 4 sea bass fillets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Mix soy, honey, ginger, and lemon.
- Pour over fish.
- Bake 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Add chopped scallions.
12. Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
A sweet and savory favorite for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat grill or oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Mix honey, soy, garlic, and oil.
- Brush over skewered shrimp.
- Cook 6–8 minutes.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle sesame seeds for texture.
13. Christmas Crab Cakes
Crispy outside, tender inside, and full of crab flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb crab meat
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients.
- Form patties.
- Pan-sear in oil 3–4 minutes per side.
How to Serve It
Top with lemon juice or a creamy dip.
14. Lemon Pepper Baked Haddock
A simple yet elegant flaky fish dish.
Ingredients
- 4 haddock fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place fish on tray; drizzle oil and lemon.
- Sprinkle seasoning.
- Bake 12–15 minutes.
How to Serve It
Add lemon wedges for aroma.
15. Butter-Seared Scallops with Herbs
A fast dish that feels high-end and festive.
Ingredients
- 1 lb scallops
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Pat scallops dry.
- Sear in butter 2 minutes per side.
- Add herbs at the end.
How to Serve It
Serve on warm plates to keep them tender.
16. Shrimp Alfredo Bake
Comforting and creamy for a cozy holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 cups cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup parmesan
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta.
- Make sauce with butter, cream, and parmesan.
- Toss with pasta and shrimp.
- Bake 20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with parsley.
17. Crispy Lemon Garlic Calamari
Light, crispy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb calamari rings
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat oil.
- Toss calamari in flour mixture.
- Fry 2–3 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Serve immediately with fresh lemon.
18. Holiday Shrimp Fried Rice
A vibrant dish perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup mixed veggies
- 2 eggs, scrambled
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook shrimp.
- Add rice and veggies to pan.
- Stir in eggs and soy.
- Cook 5 minutes.
How to Serve It
Add scallions for freshness.
19. Dill and Lemon Baked Trout
A fragrant fish that looks stunning on the table.
Ingredients
- 2 whole trout
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh dill
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush trout with oil and lemon.
- Add dill, salt, and pepper.
- Bake 20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve whole with herbs.
20. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Rich flavors with a cozy twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cups cream
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
Instructions
- Sear shrimp.
- Make sauce with butter, cream, tomatoes, and spinach.
- Simmer 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp back in.
How to Serve It
Serve over pasta or rice.
21. Lemon Garlic Halibut Steaks
Firm, flaky, and full of bright citrus flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 halibut steaks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Season halibut.
- Bake 12–15 minutes.
How to Serve It
Garnish with parsley.
22. Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms
A festive appetizer that feels fancy and bite-sized.
Ingredients
- 20 large mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped shrimp
- 3 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 tbsp parmesan
- 1 garlic clove
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix filling.
- Stuff mushrooms.
- Bake 15 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with herbs.
23. Ginger Garlic Baked Shrimp
Simple, fragrant, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Mix sauce ingredients.
- Pour over shrimp.
- Bake 10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle scallions or sesame seeds.
Conclusion
These seafood recipes bring warm, comforting flavors to your Christmas dinner while still feeling special for the season. Save your favorites, try a few new ideas, and share them with someone who loves festive cooking. Enjoy creating a holiday meal that feels memorable and full of flavor.
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