12 seafood dishes for a chic and elegant supper that no one will believe is so easy to prepare

Saturday 20 December 2025 15:30 - Mirella Mendonça
12 seafood dishes for a chic and elegant supper that no one will believe is so easy to prepare

When we think of New Year’s Eve dinner in the U.S., it’s easy to fall back on the usual classics: roast turkey or ham, beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, and the same sides we’ve been serving for years. But if you want to surprise your guests this Christmas or New Year’s with a menu that feels lighter, fresher, and a bit more upscale, seafood is a perfect choice.


It instantly adds a touch of restaurant-style elegance, works beautifully for both cozy winter dinners and coastal celebrations, and lets you serve impressive dishes without complicated prep. In this collection, you’ll find 12 recipes featuring shrimp, octopus, squid, fish, and other seafood. Easy to make, full of flavor, and ideal if you’re ready to give your holiday table a modern twist. Get ready for compliments, a festive menu that feels special and refined, and a New Year’s Eve dinner that stands out from the usual spread without keeping you in the kitchen all day.

1. Crustaceans such as shrimp and lobster bring a strong flavor and sophisticated appearance

If the idea is to impress with little effort, crustaceans are the perfect allies. They carry a festive air, cook quickly and go well with preparations that range from simple to sophisticated. Here you'll find recipes that highlight prawns and lobsters in dishes designed to shine at supper.

Pumpkin with shrimp – the brazilian “camarão na moranga”Recipe Pumpkin with shrimp – the brazilian “camarão na moranga”

How about sharing a delicious dish with family today? As autumn begins, the cold weather makes us crave comfort food. To warm up our plates, we bring you this recipe from Brazil: Camarão na Moranga. A hollowed-out pumpkin filled with shrimp marinade....


Shrimp and lemon risotto, an elegant first course that's easy to prepareRecipe Shrimp and lemon risotto, an elegant first course that's easy to prepare

Shrimp and lemon risotto is an iconic dish in Italian cuisine , ideal for special occasions (including a romantic dinner❤️). Elegant and balanced in flavor, it combines the creaminess of the rice with the sweetness of the shrimp and the citrusy...


Prawn and mango verrines for a sweet-and-savory appetizerRecipe Prawn and mango verrines for a sweet-and-savory appetizer

You thought we were going to leave you without chic recipes for your holiday meal?! You don't know us very well! Here are our prawn and mango verrines , a sweet-and-savory combination your guests will love. An easy-to-make recipe for last-minute...


Flambéed shrimp with whiskey: a detailed recipeRecipe Flambéed shrimp with whiskey: a detailed recipe

As an appetizer, starter, or main dish... There will always be a good time to enjoy our flambéed shrimp with whiskey! As usual at Ptitchef, we prove that an original recipe can also be simple and require only a few ingredients: here, 50 ml of whiskey...


Baked lobster with parsley and lemon: simplicity and sophistication at the table.Recipe Baked lobster with parsley and lemon: simplicity and sophistication at the table.

Baked lobster with parsley and lemon is a recipe that combines elegance and simplicity , perfect for celebrating special occasions such as Christmas, New Year's Eve or a refined dinner. This dish, with its delicate, rich flavor , enhances the...

2. Molluscs that impress: mussel, oyster and scallop dishes for a gourmet touch at supper

Do you want to take your supper to the next level with impactful ingredients? Molluscs such as mussels, oysters and scallops are perfect for this. They bring a sophisticated air, delicate flavors and enchanting presentations. In this selection, you'll find elegant and affordable recipes that turn these ingredients into the stars of the party.


Mussels marinière, a simple and delicious recipeRecipe Mussels marinière, a simple and delicious recipe

To keep enjoying those briny flavors even after summer, try mussels marinière! This classic never gets old, and it's quick and easy to make. The mussels need just 10 minutes to cook, so you can soon sit down to enjoy a convivial meal :-) Seasoned with...


Gourmet oysters au gratinRecipe Gourmet oysters au gratin

You usually eat them raw, perhaps accompanied by lemon, vinegar, and/or salted butter. Now try oysters au gratin! Here, we suggest a topping made with white wine, shallot, crème fraîche, and grated cheese. It’s a chance to make your oysters slightly...


Scallop carpaccio with citrus vinaigrette and pistachios, an elegant and easy-to-prepare starterRecipe Scallop carpaccio with citrus vinaigrette and pistachios, an elegant and easy-to-prepare starter

This scallop carpaccio is an easy recipe, perfect for preparing a light, original, and elegant starter . The citrus vinaigrette , made with orange juice and a hint of lime, adds freshness and balances the softness of the scallops with a tangy and...


Pasta with scallops, an elegant seafood first courseRecipe Pasta with scallops, an elegant seafood first course

Have you bought some frozen scallops and want to use them to make a tasty first course? Here’s how to prepare pappardelle with scallops and cherry tomatoes . We made fresh pasta, but if you’re short on time, you can also use spaghetti or paccheri:...


Saffron scallop risottoRecipe Saffron scallop risotto

Not in the mood for meat during the holidays? Opt for scallops! Featured in a homemade risotto flavored with saffron, this is a dish you won't be able to resist at Christmas, New Year's, or any other occasion :-) It's an incredibly easy dish to make,...


Crispy scallops in filo pastryRecipe Crispy scallops in filo pastry

Let's all agree that scallops and leeks are a winning combination, right? Make them even crispier for the holidays by wrapping them in filo pastry! This ultra-simple homemade recipe has been tested and approved by the entire Ptitchef team, of course...




3. Gastropods like squid at the heart of supper: light, elegant recipes full of marine flavor

Versatile and delicate, squid is an ingredient that brings lightness and sophistication to festive dishes. When prepared well, it wins over even the most demanding palates with its soft texture and remarkable flavor. In this selection, you'll find recipes with squid that balance practicality and elegant presentation - perfect for innovating at New Year's Eve dinner.


Roman-style calamari – battered calamariRecipe Roman-style calamari – battered calamari

Today we are cooking one of the most popular dishes from the Spanish coast: crispy battered calamari, also known as calamari a la romana . They are usually served as an appetizer with a slice of lemon or, as they are in other places, eaten in a...


Mirella MendonçaMirella Mendonça
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.

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