Introduction
Craving a rich, creamy, and flavorful seafood dish that’s easy to make? A Seafood Pan Roast is the perfect recipe! This one-pot wonder is packed with fresh seafood, a luscious cream-based sauce, and a delightful balance of spices, making it a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes.
Pan roasts are a staple in seafood restaurants, known for their smooth, velvety texture and deep, comforting flavors. Unlike traditional stews or bisques, a Seafood Pan Roast is a quick-cooking dish that brings out the best in shrimp, crab, or lobster. Plus, it’s versatile—you can adjust the heat level, add your favorite seafood, or tweak the ingredients to fit your taste.
Let’s dive into this simple yet luxurious dish that’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or special occasions!
How to Make Seafood Pan Roast
Quick Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
This Seafood Pan Roast is an easy, one-pan recipe with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce, making it a perfect comfort meal.
Key Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb crab meat (lump or claw)
- ½ lb lobster meat, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup seafood stock
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup white wine (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in white wine (if using) and cook for 2 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Add Liquid Base: Stir in tomato sauce, seafood stock, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
- Simmer & Thicken: Pour in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Seafood: Add shrimp, crab, and lobster. Stir gently and cook for 5-7 minutes until seafood is fully cooked.
- Finish with Flavor: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
What is Seafood Pan Roast?
A Seafood Pan Roast is a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy seafood dish originating from American coastal restaurants. It’s similar to a bisque but lighter and quicker to prepare, making it perfect for a comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Pan Roast
- ✔ Flavorful & Creamy: A velvety sauce with bold, well-balanced flavors.
- ✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- ✔ Restaurant-Quality: Tastes just like your favorite seafood spot.
- ✔ Customizable: Swap seafood, adjust spices, or make it lighter with milk.
What to Serve with Seafood Pan Roast
- Side Dish: Garlic bread, rice, or crusty baguette for soaking up the sauce.
- Drink Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
- Toppings: Extra parsley, a dash of hot sauce, or a squeeze of lemon.
Top Tips for Perfecting Seafood Pan Roast
- ✔ Use Fresh Seafood for the best flavor.
- ✔ Simmer Slowly to prevent curdling in the creamy sauce.
- ✔ Don’t Overcook the seafood to keep it tender.
- ✔ Balance the Spices to suit your taste preference.
Healthy Cooking Tips for Seafood Pan Roast
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Use low-sodium seafood stock for a heart-healthy option.
- Add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- ✅ Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- ✅ Reheating: Warm gently on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- ✅ Freezing: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces may separate.
Creative Variations of Seafood Pan Roast
- Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne and hot sauce.
- Vegan Option: Use mushrooms, coconut cream, and veggie broth.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Best Cooking Tools & Equipment for Seafood Pan Roast
- Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring creamy sauces.
- Ladle: For easy serving.
Fun Facts & Trivia About Seafood Pan Roast
- Pan roasts were popularized by seafood houses in the 19th century.
- The dish is a staple in classic oyster bars.
- Some restaurants serve it with a poached egg on top!
How to Make Seafood Pan Roast for a Crowd
- Scale Up: Double the recipe for large gatherings.
- Keep Warm: Use a slow cooker to maintain temperature.
- Make Ahead: Prep ingredients in advance to save time.
Kid-Friendly Version of Seafood Pan Roast
- Reduce or omit spicy ingredients.
- Serve with pasta or rice for a milder taste.
- Use mild white fish instead of shellfish.
How Seafood Pan Roast Compares to Similar Dishes
- Pan Roast vs. Chowder: Chowder is thicker with potatoes, while pan roast is creamier.
- Pan Roast vs. Bisque: Bisque is smoother and blended; pan roast has more texture.
Seafood Pan Roast recipe
Ingredients
- For Seafood:
- ½ lb 225g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb 225g scallops
- ½ lb 225g lump crab meat
- ½ lb 225g lobster meat (optional)
- For Base & Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup celery finely chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper diced (red or green)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup seafood or chicken broth
- ¼ cup white wine optional
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- For Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tbsp hot sauce optional
- Toasted bread or rice for serving
Instructions
- For Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- For Prepare the Base:
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in white wine (if using) and let it reduce slightly.
- For Simmer the Sauce:
- Add seafood broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- For Cook the Seafood:
- Add shrimp and scallops, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they start turning opaque.
- Gently fold in crab meat and lobster (if using). Let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- For Finish the Dish:
- Add lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and hot sauce (if desired).
- For Serve:
- Spoon the seafood pan roast into bowls and serve with toasted bread or over rice.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a wedge of lemon.
Conclusion & More Related Recipes
This Seafood Pan Roast is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! Try it for a comforting meal and explore more delicious recipes like:
- Smash Burger Tacos – A crispy, juicy twist on tacos.
- Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole – A rich and crunchy family favorite.
- Salmon Sushi Bake – A warm, baked sushi-inspired dish.
Let us know in the comments how your pan roast turned out!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
✅ Yes! Prepare up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently.
How do I make this dish healthier?
✅ Use light cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Can I use frozen seafood?
✅ Absolutely! Just thaw and drain before cooking.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
✅ Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I double the recipe?
✅ Yes! Just adjust the seasonings and cooking time accordingly.
Enjoy your delicious Seafood Pan Roast!