Baking seafood is a fantastic way to bring out its natural flavors while keeping it moist and tender. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, baked seafood dishes can impress with their rich taste and elegant presentation. This guide will provide you with a variety of seafood baking ideas to help you create delectable meals in your kitchen.

1. Baked Salmon with Herbs and Lemon

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 2 lemons, sliced
  • 1 bunch of fresh dill
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Brush the garlic oil mixture over the salmon fillets.
  5. Top each fillet with slices of lemon, sprigs of dill, and parsley.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

2. Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives

Ingredients

  • 4 cod fillets
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the cod fillets in a baking dish.
  3. In a bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, olives, white wine, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the tomato and olive mixture over the cod fillets.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Serve the baked cod with the tomato and olive mixture spooned over the top.

3. Baked Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, white wine, melted butter, lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  6. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

4. Baked Halibut with Vegetables

Ingredients

  • 4 halibut fillets
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the halibut fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and red onion.
  4. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
  5. Arrange the vegetables around the halibut fillets on the baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the halibut is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
  7. Serve the halibut with the roasted vegetables.

5. Baked Clams Casino

Ingredients

  • 12 large clams, cleaned and shucked
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Arrange the clams on a baking sheet.
  3. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, bacon, melted butter, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture over each clam.
  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the clams are cooked through.
  6. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

6. Baked Scallops with Panko and Parmesan

Ingredients

  • 1 pound sea scallops
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a baking dish.
  3. In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  4. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the scallops.
  5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the topping is golden brown.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges.

Conclusion

Baking seafood is an excellent way to prepare flavorful and healthy meals. From baked salmon with herbs to baked scallops with panko and Parmesan, these recipes are sure to please your palate and impress your guests. By following these seafood baking ideas, you can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the sea. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, these recipes offer a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Enjoy your culinary journey and savor the delightful taste of baked seafood!