Beyond Turkey: 20+ Spectacular Seafood Recipes for Thanksgiving

Elevate Your Holiday Table: 24+ Delicious Thanksgiving Seafood Recipes (Turkey-Free & Fabulous!)

Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, gratitude, and gathering with loved ones. While roast turkey traditionally takes center stage, an increasing number of hosts are opting for an exquisite culinary adventure that extends beyond poultry. Whether you’re looking to start a new family tradition, cater to diverse tastes, or simply want to impress your guests with something truly special, this comprehensive list of over 24 Thanksgiving seafood recipes offers a world of delightful possibilities. From hearty gumbos to elegant salmon dishes and succulent lobster creations, prepare to redefine your holiday menu and create an unforgettable spread.

A collage of four images of thanksgiving seafood recipes with a circle with text inlay. Highlighting diverse seafood dishes suitable for Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Seafood Recipes: A Fresh Alternative to Traditional Turkey

This curated collection isn’t exclusively for the Thanksgiving holiday. These spectacular seafood recipes are perfect for any special occasion where you aim to prepare an extraordinary meal that will leave a lasting impression on your family and friends. Birthdays, anniversaries, or grand dinner parties – consider this your ultimate guide to show-stopping seafood.

Why Choose Seafood for Your Thanksgiving Feast?

Opting for seafood as your Thanksgiving centerpiece offers numerous advantages, transforming your holiday meal into a unique and memorable experience. Here’s why embracing the bounty of the ocean might be the perfect choice for your next celebration:

  • A Delicious Alternative: Not everyone is a fan of traditional roast turkey or ham. Seafood presents a refreshing and equally festive main course that caters to a wider range of preferences, ensuring every guest finds something to savor on your holiday table.
  • Lighter and More Satisfying: Seafood generally offers a lighter dining experience compared to heavy red meats or poultry. This means you and your guests can indulge in all those beloved Thanksgiving sides and decadent desserts without feeling overly full. It’s a perfect balance that allows for extended enjoyment of the entire meal.
  • Quicker Cooking Times: Holiday cooking can be stressful, but many seafood dishes boast remarkably short preparation and cooking times. This efficiency frees up precious oven space and allows you more time to spend with your loved ones, reducing kitchen stress on a busy holiday.
  • A Seafood Lover’s Dream: For those who adore the flavors of the sea, Thanksgiving provides the perfect excuse to prepare an elaborate seafood feast. From succulent shrimp to flaky fish and rich lobster, this list celebrates the diverse culinary possibilities of seafood.
  • A Healthier Holiday Option: Seafood is packed with essential nutrients, lean protein, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Choosing seafood can make your holiday meal a more wholesome and nutritious affair, supporting well-being without compromising on flavor.
  • Versatile Pairings: Seafood is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a vast array of vegetables and classic holiday flavors. Yes, even Brussels sprouts! Its delicate yet distinctive taste complements various culinary profiles, making it easy to integrate with your existing side dish lineup.
  • Elegance and Sophistication: Serving a beautifully prepared seafood dish often evokes a sense of elegance and sophistication. It’s an effortless way to make your Thanksgiving meal feel truly special and refined, creating a luxurious dining experience.
  • Embrace Regional Traditions: In many coastal regions, particularly in the South, seafood is already a cherished part of holiday celebrations. Adopting a seafood Thanksgiving can be a nod to these rich culinary traditions or an exciting way to start your own unique family customs.

With these compelling reasons, it’s clear that a seafood-centric Thanksgiving is more than just an alternative; it’s an opportunity to elevate your holiday dining to new heights of flavor, enjoyment, and sophistication.

24+ Irresistible Seafood Recipes for Your Thanksgiving Table

Get ready to be inspired! This extensive list features a variety of seafood dishes, from traditional Southern comforts to elegant main courses, ensuring there’s something to delight every palate at your Thanksgiving gathering.

1
A bowl of gumbo, showing What To Serve With Seafood Gumbo.
Seafood Gumbo

Experience the rich, authentic flavors of New Orleans with this deliciously tasty Seafood Gumbo. A beloved tradition in Louisiana, many families choose a generous pot of this flavorful stew as their Thanksgiving centerpiece. Featuring fresh shrimp, succulent lump crab meat, and savory smoked sausage simmered in a deeply seasoned broth, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for a grand holiday celebration.

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2
Sheet Pan Lemony Brown Butter Salmon Dinner with crispy roast potatoes and tender asparagus spears.
Credit: www.sweetteaandthyme.com
Sheet Pan Lemony Brown Butter Salmon Dinner

This easy sheet pan salmon dinner is an explosion of tangy and herbaceous flavors, making it an excellent, low-effort option for your Thanksgiving meal. Crispy roast potatoes and tender asparagus spears are beautifully tossed in a lemon zest-infused brown butter and fresh rosemary. The salmon itself is simply seasoned and then drizzled with lemon juice and more brown butter. It’s a buttery, bright, and zesty dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal ingredients and cleanup, perfect for a stress-free holiday.

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3
Shrimp and grits with some delicious bacon and green onions sprinkled on top.
Creole Shrimp and Grits

Tender shrimp served over creamy, flavorful grits is a cherished and popular dish across the American South, celebrated every time it graces a table. This Creole Shrimp and Grits recipe is special enough to stand in as your Thanksgiving meal, offering a delightful departure from traditional turkey. Its rich, savory profile and comforting texture make it an ideal choice for a festive holiday brunch or a main course that embodies Southern charm.

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4
Overhead close up of a bowl of catfish courtbouillon over rice.
Catfish Courtbouillon

Delight your guests with Catfish Courtbouillon, a true Cajun masterpiece. This rich, tomato-based seafood stew is brimming with flaky catfish fillets and the aromatic ‘holy trinity’ of bell pepper, onion, and celery. A beloved Southern favorite, its deep, complex flavors and comforting warmth make it a fantastic and hearty alternative for a unique and memorable Thanksgiving dinner. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a complete and satisfying experience.

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5
Close up of a stuffed crab with some boiled crabs on the outside.
Stuffed Crab

The spectacular Stuffed Crab is an amazingly delicious and visually stunning dish, making it a perfect seafood offering for Thanksgiving. Juicy lump crab meat, mixed with savory bread crumbs and vibrant bell peppers, is generously piled back into its own shell and baked to golden perfection. This dish is not only beautiful to behold but also incredibly flavorful, offering a rich and satisfying bite that will impress even the most discerning holiday guests.

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6
Salmon Wellington with a golden, flaky puff pastry crust.
Credit: littleferrarokitchen.com
Salmon Wellington

This Salmon Wellington recipe is an absolute showstopper, guaranteed to impress at any holiday gathering, especially Thanksgiving. A beautiful wild-caught salmon fillet is artfully layered with tangy Dijon mustard and creamy, seasoned spinach, all nestled within a rich, buttery puff pastry. The result is a magnificent presentation and an explosion of flavors and textures, offering a gourmet alternative to traditional roasts that feels incredibly festive and elegant.

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7
Air Fryer Soy Maple Salmon fillet with a glistening glaze.
Credit: www.cookingschooldropout.com
Air Fryer Soy Maple Salmon

Salmon is one of the world’s most cherished seafood options, beloved for its rich nutrients and distinct, delightful flavor profile. This Air Fryer Soy Maple Salmon offers a succulent, perfectly cooked fillet with a savory-sweet glaze that makes it an exceptional choice for your Thanksgiving table. It’s an easy, quick, and incredibly flavorful dish that provides a healthy yet indulgent main course, differentiating your holiday spread with its unique taste.

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8
A tray of boiled crabs with veggies and dipping sauce.
Cajun Crabs

Cajun Crabs are undeniably the best kind of boiled crabs you can experience. Expertly seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, these crabs, along with tender vegetables and savory smoked sausage, create a harmonious explosion of flavor. Boiling crabs is a beloved tradition for any occasion in Louisiana, and incorporating this vibrant, communal dish into your Thanksgiving celebration could be a fantastic new and unforgettable family tradition.

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9
Four images showing different ways to cook lobster tails: grilled, broiled, baked, and steamed.
Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com
How to Cook Lobster Tails (5 Ways!)

Learn five incredibly easy methods to cook succulent lobster tails perfectly every time! Whether you prefer grilling, broiling, baking, or steaming, these techniques will yield tender, flavorful lobster that’s ideal for impressing family and friends. While not a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, a beautifully prepared lobster is undeniably spectacular and deserves a prominent spot on your holiday table, offering a gourmet touch in under 20 minutes.

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10
Easy Salmon Risotto garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Credit: www.amummytoo.co.uk
Easy Salmon Risotto

If you have just 30 minutes, you can whip up this gorgeous Scottish salmon risotto with fresh peas and Tenderstem broccoli. This classic dish is simple to prepare yet absolutely delicious, offering a creamy, flavorful, and hearty meal. It’s a wonderful option for a cozy Thanksgiving celebration, providing warmth and gourmet appeal without the extensive cooking time often associated with holiday meals.

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11
A dish of The BEST Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe, golden and bubbly.
Credit: grandbaby-cakes.com
The BEST Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe

Indulge in pure decadence with The BEST Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe. This luxurious dish features a rich, creamy sauce crafted from four exquisite cheeses, generously studded with tender chunks of sweet lobster. Baked together with perfectly al dente pasta to gooey perfection, it’s a side dish so magnificent it could easily steal the show as a main course on your Thanksgiving table. Prepare for an unforgettable, comforting, and utterly gourmet experience.

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12
Lemon Dill Baked Tilapia fillets served with fresh asparagus.
Credit: www.smalltownwoman.com
Lemon Dill Baked Tilapia

This amazing Lemon Dill Baked Tilapia recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, requiring mere minutes of prep time. It’s loaded with delicious flavors from creamy butter, aromatic garlic, bright lemon, and fresh dill, baking up perfectly every single time. This tasty and healthy dish is a genuine favorite, ideal for serving with fresh asparagus, delicate angel hair pasta, fluffy rice, or roasted potatoes. It makes a light yet flavorful main course option for your holiday table.

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13
Cioppino - American-Italian Style Seafood Stew in a rustic bowl with crusty bread.
Credit: www.christinascucina.com
Cioppino – American-Italian Style Seafood Stew

For the ultimate seafood lover’s Thanksgiving, why not present a robust Cioppino? This American-Italian style seafood stew is generously packed with tender clams, plump shrimp, savory mussels, flaky fish, and more, all simmered in a rich tomato-based broth. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish that requires only crusty pieces of bread for dipping and plenty of extra napkins. A truly impressive and deeply satisfying holiday main course.

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14
Seafood pasta with shrimp and scallops (and garlic) in a rich sauce.
Credit: www.christinascucina.com
Seafood Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops (and Garlic!)

Prepare to receive rave reviews with this incredible seafood pasta featuring succulent shrimp and juicy scallops, all bathed in a rich, garlicky sauce. The best part? It’s remarkably quick and easy to make, yet delivers an impressive, gourmet experience. This dish offers a delightful change of pace from traditional holiday fare, providing a luxurious and flavorful main course that will be devoured by all your Thanksgiving guests.

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15
Calamarata (Calamari and Tomato Sauce Pasta) served in a deep bowl.
Credit: theheirloompantry.co
Calamarata (Calamari and Tomato Sauce Pasta)

Calamarata is a classic Neapolitan pasta dish that showcases succulent calamari bathed in a light and brothy tomato sauce. Each forkful delivers tender squid, perfectly al dente pasta tubes, and the bright freshness of juicy tomatoes. This elegant yet comforting dish offers a fantastic and flavorful option for a seafood-inspired Thanksgiving, providing a sophisticated Italian touch to your holiday spread.

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16
Steamed Lobster Tail, perfectly cooked and served with drawn butter.
Credit: amandascookin.com
Steamed Lobster Tail

Steamed lobster tail is our preferred method for cooking incredibly juicy and tender lobster meat, making it a truly luxurious main course. This method is quick, easy, and takes less than 30 minutes from prep to plate. While not your traditional Thanksgiving dinner, serving perfectly steamed lobster tails is spectacularly impressive and brings an undeniable touch of gourmet elegance to your holiday table, guaranteeing a memorable feast.

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17
Close up shot of an oyster dressing in a casserole dish, golden and bubbly.
Oyster Dressing

Experience the delicious flavors of New Orleans with this exquisite Oyster Dressing, a recipe hailing from the renowned Emeril Lagasse. Southern to its core, this dressing (also known as Oyster Stuffing) is perfectly seasoned, making it an indispensable part of any Thanksgiving menu, especially if you’re exploring seafood alternatives. Its rich, savory profile and tender oysters elevate any holiday meal, offering a taste of authentic Louisiana tradition.

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18
Halibut Seafood Oscar, an elegant fish steak topped with crab, asparagus, and hollandaise.
Credit: artofnaturalliving.com
Halibut Seafood Oscar

Halibut Seafood Oscar is an effortlessly elegant entrée, perfect for a sophisticated Thanksgiving dinner. Imagine a beautifully cooked, flaky halibut steak generously topped with sweet crab meat, tender asparagus spears, and a rich, velvety hollandaise sauce. This combination is nothing short of amazing, offering a luxurious and impressive main course that elevates your holiday feast to gourmet status with its harmonious flavors and exquisite presentation.

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19
Baked Cod Recipe With Panko and Parmesan, golden brown and crispy.
Credit: cookingorgeous.com
Baked Cod Recipe With Panko and Parmesan

This Baked Cod dish features a light and flaky cod fillet crowned with a buttery, crispy Parmesan and panko crust, then oven-baked until golden brown. The panko provides a delightful crunchy texture, while a medley of herbs, garlic, and lemon zest infuses it with a beautiful Mediterranean flavor. It’s a remarkably simple recipe to prepare, yet sophisticated enough to be a cherished part of your holiday feast, offering a delicious and impressive seafood option.

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20
Camarão na Moranga - Simple Living Recipes, a shrimp stuffed pumpkin.
Credit: simplelivingrecipes.com
Camarão na Moranga – Shrimp Stuffed Pumpkin

This shrimp-stuffed pumpkin, known as Camarão na Moranga, is utterly delicious and promises an incredible flavor profile. With its rustic yet sophisticated presentation, this unique recipe is guaranteed to impress everyone at your Thanksgiving feast. The creamy, savory shrimp filling nestled inside a tender baked pumpkin offers a comforting and truly special main course that’s both visually striking and bursting with taste, making it a standout holiday dish.

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21
Lobster Bisque, a rich and creamy soup garnished with chives.
Credit: coleycooks.com
Lobster Bisque

Lobster Bisque is a classic, rich, and sumptuously creamy soup that serves as an exquisite appetizer or even a light main course for holidays and special occasions. Perfect for when you want to serve something truly fancy, this bisque boasts deep lobster flavor and a velvety texture that will impress your guests. It’s an elegant addition to any Thanksgiving menu, setting a luxurious tone for your festive meal.

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22
Lobster Corn Chowder, a hearty and flavorful soup for fall.
Credit: coleycooks.com
Lobster Corn Chowder

This recipe for Lobster Corn Chowder is the ultimate hearty soup for the fall season, making it a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving menu. It’s incredibly rich, bursting with flavor, and generously loaded with big, succulent chunks of lobster meat and sweet corn. This comforting and luxurious chowder offers warmth and a gourmet touch, perfect for starting your holiday meal or as a lighter, yet satisfying, main course.

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23
Baked Shrimp Scampi, glistening with butter and lemon.
Credit: coleycooks.com
Baked Shrimp Scampi

This easy recipe for baked shrimp scampi is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday entertaining and a fantastic seafood main course or appetizer for Thanksgiving. Buttery, lemony, and wonderfully garlicky, it offers a burst of vibrant flavors. The shrimp bakes to tender perfection, making this dish both simple to prepare and exquisitely delicious, ensuring your guests are impressed with its fresh and lively taste.

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24
Jambalaya Recipe: Cajun, Creole And More In 2022, a hearty rice dish with shrimp, sausage, and chicken.
Credit: clankitchen.com
Jambalaya Recipe: Cajun, Creole And More

Jambalaya is a vibrant and traditional rice dish, boasting a flavorful combination of shrimp, sausage, and chicken, perfected over hundreds of years of culinary evolution. This delicious version requires only about 20 minutes of prep time, making it an impressive yet surprisingly manageable recipe for your holiday menu. It’s a complete meal in itself, offering a hearty and authentic taste of Louisiana that will be a memorable addition to your Thanksgiving celebrations.

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Embracing seafood for Thanksgiving allows for creativity, lightness, and a touch of gourmet elegance that can transform your traditional holiday meal into an extraordinary culinary event. Whether you choose a comforting gumbo, a sophisticated salmon, or luxurious lobster, these recipes are designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your festive table. Consider starting a new tradition this year and delight your guests with the incredible flavors of the sea.

More Delicious Recipe Compilations for Your Holiday Menu

  • 25+ Famous Cajun Thanksgiving Side Dishes
  • 30+ Jaw-Dropping Thanksgiving Tart Recipes
  • Top 100 Thanksgiving Side Dishes To Impress
  • 60+ Fall Bread Recipes You Will Love

If you’ve tried any fantastic recipe from this collection or elsewhere on my site, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below; we truly value feedback from our wonderful readers!

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