Shellfish Pie
Shellfish pie is a luxurious dish that combines the rich flavors of scallops, shrimp, crabmeat, and lobster in a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky crust. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner, this dish delights seafood lovers with its savory depth and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. sea scallops ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. large shrimp ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. crabmeat ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. cooked lobster, cut up ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. butter ⓘ
- 1/3 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 c. sherry ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme leaves, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 cubes or envelopes chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet over high flame, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
- Add scallops and shrimp and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, just until scallops look opaque and shrimp turn pink.
- Remove from heat and reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the filling. If you can't find lobster, you can substitute with additional shrimp or scallops. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce. Keep an eye on the seafood while cooking to avoid overcooking, which can make it tough. This dish pairs beautifully with Lemon Herb Marinated Chicken for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shellfish Pie with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. For a wine pairing, a chilled glass of white wine complements the seafood beautifully. This dish is also a fantastic centerpiece for a dinner party, impressing guests with its decadent flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Shellfish Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but be careful not to overheat, which can dry out the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shellfish Pie contains roughly 813 calories, with 21g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1381mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood can be used, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent excess water from diluting the flavors. Adjust the cooking time slightly as needed, especially for shrimp and scallops.
What can I serve with Shellfish Pie?
This dish pairs well with light, refreshing sides like a mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. You might also consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a creamy risotto to complement the rich flavors of the pie.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make the Shellfish Pie dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. You can also use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk, in place of any cream if desired for added richness in the sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).