Seafood Ideas For Special Events
When planning any type of special event, what to serve your guests for lunch or dinner is probably at the top of your "to-do" list. No matter if you're having a fancy affair or a casual get-together, seafood is sure to please a majority of the party-goers.
Choose the freshest seafood that you can afford, whether it's shrimp, scallops, lobster, or any other type of shellfish or fish, for the best taste. If you aren't able to find the right fresh seafood, you can use its frozen counterpart instead. Be sure to plan to allow enough time for the thawing process, however.
Seafood is ideal for a wide range of special events and occasions, including kids' and adults' birthday parties, holiday celebrations, anniversary and graduation soirees, wedding receptions, family reunions, and bridal and baby showers. Consider any of your guests' dietary restrictions or concerns when planning the menu and provide alternatives, such as meatless soy or dairy-free options.
Depending on your budget and guest list size, you can either buy and prepare the seafood yourself, or hire a catering company to make the meals for you. If you go the first route, consider purchasing the ingredients from a local seafood shop for the best quality.
Here are some seafood ideas for special events:
1. Grilled Seafood Skewers
If you're hosting the event in an outdoor venue, such as at a state or city park or a country barn, take advantage of your location and prepare grilled seafood skewers. Create a mix of vegetables and produce, along with seafood, to please all guests.
Some combinations include pineapple and shrimp, mango and scallops, and red onion, green pepper and salmon. For vegetarians or guests with seafood allergies, prepare portobello mushroom skewers. Serve the grilled food with anything from fresh garden salads to baked potatoes.
2. Seafood Packets
Another idea for preparing individual-size portions of seafood is by cooking it in foil packets. Place ingredients such as shrimp, scallops, fresh fish, lemon juice, and any type of vegetable, onto squares of foil and then foil into packets.
Cook the packets in the oven or over a grill for a juicy, flavorful lunch or dinner. Not only are seafood packets delicious, but they are also healthy and easy to transport to and from the event venue. Serve with fancy side dishes such as wild rice, homemade soups, potatoes au gratin, and roasted root vegetables, such as purple carrots.
For more information, visit a seafood shop.
