The holidays in Florida aren’t always the most traditional, especially when our version of a white Christmas is spending the day in the sand on the beach! What makes this great, though, is a seafood feast in lieu of a traditional ham and turkey. From shrimp to salmon, your family will love these holiday seafood recipes and nobody will want to leave your home or table this holiday season.
Vermouth Spiked Shrimp with Ginger Dressing
This boozy shrimp recipe will have your family getting nice and cozy this holiday season. To prepare the shrimp, bring 3 cups of dry vermouth to a boil in a large skillet. Lower the heat and add the shrimp, turning once after 30 seconds until they’re just pink and curled. To make the ginger dressing, combine 4 scallions, ½ cup of chili sauce, 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 1 tbsp of fresh ginger, Dijon mustard, creole mustard, a clove of garlic and 1 tsp of paprika in a food processor. While processing, gradually pour in ¼ cup of vegetable oil, then season to taste with hot sauce and salt. Allow the shrimp and dressing to refrigerate for a few hours, then serve together and enjoy.
Wild Salmon Fillet
This salmon is always a huge hit and makes a perfect entrée on your holiday table. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil with 1 large and thinly sliced shallot, ¼ cup of chopped dill and a touch of salt and pepper. Pour half of the mixture onto a baking sheet before adding the salmon, skin side up. Use the remainder of the marinade to coat the rest of the fish. Refrigerate for at least two hours then broil the salmon for about 12 minutes (until it reaches 125°) before serving. To prepare the sauce, whisk together ½ cup of sour cream, ¼ cup of mustard, a touch of lemon zest, ¼ cup of lemon juice, ¼ cup of olive oil and 2 tbsp of champagne vinegar. Let this chill while the salmon bakes. If you’re in a crunch for time, this can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.
Stone Crab
Stone crab is practically a delicacy in Florida and a total staple on your holiday dining table. Plus, it’s one of the easiest fancy dishes to prepare! Serve your stone crab claws fresh with this orange zest and horseradish sauce for a kick of flavor. Combine ½ cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of horseradish, 1 tablespoon of coarse-grained Dijon mustard and a dash of salt.
If you’re looking for more of a classic dish, serve your claws with a traditional mustard sauce instead. To make the sauce, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tbsp of half and half, 4 tsp of dry mustard, 2 tsp of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp of A1 sauce and a dash of salt and pepper. Serve either, or both, and prepare for hours of great family time over cracked shells. Don’t forget the napkins!
Holidays in Florida are way more fun on the beach with family, friends and a great seafood spread. If you’re looking for more holiday seafood dishes then look no further than Julington Creek Fish Camp. Come try our Broiled Seafood Platter or Blue Crab Cakes for your holiday dinner this year, or enjoy a view of the Julington Creek with our Grilled Salmon with Horseradish Hollandaise, steamed spinach and parsley potatoes.