New England Seafood Casserole Recipe

Are you ready to indulge in a tantalizing seafood dish bursting with flavors from New England? Look no further than this delightful New England Seafood Casserole recipe. Packed with a medley of fresh seafood, creamy sauce, and a crispy golden topping, this dish is a seafood lover’s dream come true. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a decadent meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that captures the essence of New England’s coastal cuisine.

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting seafood dish, look no further than this New England seafood casserole. Packed with fresh seafood and a creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of lobster meat, shrimp, scallops, crab meat, and white fish fillets creates a rich and flavorful medley that will transport you straight to the shores of New England. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

To make this New England seafood casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Fresh seafood: Start with a selection of your favorite fresh seafood, such as lobster meat, shrimp, scallops, crab meat, and white fish fillets.
Butter: This will be used to sauté the onion and garlic, as well as to make the roux.
Onion: Diced onion adds flavor and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a fragrant aroma and enhances the taste.
Flour: Used to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Milk: Provides a creamy base for the sauce.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the dish.
Dijon mustard: Gives a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory and umami kick to the sauce.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish with a citrusy note.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.

Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to prepare the seafood properly to ensure a delicious final result. Here’s what you need to do:

Preheat the oven to the specified temperature in the recipe.
Cook the lobster meat according to your preferred method. Whether you boil, steam, or bake it, make sure it’s fully cooked and tender.
Remove the shells from the shrimp and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Clean the scallops and slice them into thin rounds.
Pick over the crab meat to remove any shells or cartilage.
Cut the white fish fillets into chunks, ensuring they are evenly sized for even cooking.

Sautéing Onion and Garlic

The first step in creating the flavorful base for your New England seafood casserole is sautéing the onion and garlic. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect golden and fragrant mixture:

Heat a knob of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes.
Once cooked, set the sautéed onion and garlic mixture aside.

Making the Roux

A roux is a classic thickening agent that adds body and richness to sauces. In this recipe, we’ll be using a roux to achieve a creamy and velvety consistency. Here’s how you make it:

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in an equal amount of flour until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps.
Cook the roux for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste, stirring continuously.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the roux aside.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Now that you have the sautéed onion and garlic mixture and the roux ready, it’s time to create the creamy sauce that will bind the seafood together. Follow these steps:

In a separate saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
Slowly whisk the hot milk mixture into the roux, adding it gradually to prevent lumps from forming.
Continue whisking until the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the creamy sauce, stirring to combine them thoroughly.

Flavoring the Sauce

To give your New England seafood casserole a burst of flavor, we’ll incorporate some key ingredients. Follow these steps to achieve a well-seasoned sauce:

Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, which will add a tangy and slightly spicy note to the dish.
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, providing a savory and umami kick.
Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon to bring a refreshing citrusy taste.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your preference. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as desired.

Combining Seafood with Sauce

Now comes the exciting part – combining the cooked seafood with the creamy sauce to create a harmonious blend. Follow these steps to ensure each seafood morsel is evenly coated in the luscious sauce:

Gently fold the cooked seafood into the creamy sauce, ensuring all the pieces are well-coated.
Take care not to overmix or be too rough to keep the seafood intact and preserve its texture.

Baking in the Oven

Finally, it’s time to transfer the seafood and sauce mixture to a casserole dish and bake it to perfection. Here’s what you need to do:

Preheat the oven to the specified temperature in the recipe.
Transfer the combined seafood and sauce into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
If desired, you can add a final touch by sprinkling breadcrumbs or grated cheese on top of the casserole.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake until the mixture becomes bubbly and the top turns golden brown. This usually takes around 20-25 minutes.
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

And there you have it – a delicious New England seafood casserole that combines the fresh flavors of the ocean with a creamy and savory sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or any time you want to treat yourself to a taste of New England. Enjoy!