Smoky Seafood Cocktails Recipe

Name: Smoky Seafood Cocktails
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 garlic cloves, smashed; 1 tablespoon coriander seed; 1 tablespoon fennel seed; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 8 cups water; 1 lemon (zest and 2 T juice); 1 34 lbs shelled and deveined large shrimp; 1 12 lbs jumbo sea scallops, halved horizontally; 1 cup bottled chili sauce; 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish; 1 ½ teaspoons hot pimientos, de la vera (smoked paprika); 24 stone crab claws, cracked and chilled

Servings: persons

4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tablespoon coriander seed
1 tablespoon fennel seed
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon kosher salt
8 cups water
1 lemon (zest and 2 T juice)
1 34 lbs shelled and deveined large shrimp
1 12 lbs jumbo sea scallops, halved horizontally
1 cup bottled chili sauce
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 ½ teaspoons hot pimientos, de la vera (smoked paprika)
24 stone crab claws, cracked and chilled

1
In a large pot, combine the garlic cloves with the coriander and fennel seeds, crushed red pepper, salt and water.
2
Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the lemon and add to the pot.
3
Halve the lemon, squeeze it into the pot and add the halves.
4
Bring the liquid to a boil and then simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
5
Add the shrimp and scallops and simmer just until white throughout, about 5 minutes.
6
Drain the shrimp and scallops well and transfer them to a large plate.
7
Leave the aromatics on the seafood.
8
Cover and refrigerate the seafood until chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.
9
In a small bowl, whisk the chile sauce with the prepared horseradish, smoked paprika and the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
10
Spoon the smoky cocktail sauce into a small serving bowl.
11
Pick any aromatics off the shrimp and scallops and arrange the seafood on the platter or in individual glasses with the crab claws.
12
Serve with the cocktail sauce.
13
MAKE AHEAD:
14
The sauce, cooked shrimp and scallops can be refrigerated separately overnight.
15
The cracked crab claws can be covered and refrigerated overnight.
16
Enjoy!

181

kcal

Calories

Carbs

Protein

Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 garlic cloves, smashed, 1 tablespoon coriander seed, 1 tablespoon fennel seed, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and more.

Yes, Smoky Seafood Cocktails falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Smoky Seafood Cocktails

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions