Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with our Antigua Seafood Platter, a delightful dish that brings together the freshest ocean catches, creating a symphony of flavors. This seafood feast not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a wealth of health benefits. Rich in essential vitamins like vitamin B12, D, and omega-3 fatty acids, seafood promotes heart health, boosts brain function, and strengthens the immune system. However, it's important to enjoy seafood in moderation as it can sometimes contain mercury, which may pose risks when consumed in excess. Embark on this culinary journey and savor a plate that combines taste with health benefits, offering a tropical escape right at your table.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the Seafood:

- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

- 1 pound scallops

- 1 pound fresh fish fillets (snapper, grouper, or mahi-mahi)

- 1 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded

- 1 pound squid, cleaned and sliced into rings

For the Sauce:

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

- Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

- Fresh lemon wedges

- Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

2- Place the shrimp, scallops, fish fillets, mussels, and squid in a large dish. Pour the marinade over the seafood, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

4- In a small saucepan, melt the butter for the sauce over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Set aside.

5- Thread the marinated seafood onto skewers or use a grill basket for easy cooking.

6- Grill the seafood for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char.

7- Brush the grilled seafood with the garlic butter sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.

8- Arrange the seafood on a serving platter, drizzle any remaining sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley.

9- Serve the Antigua Seafood Platter with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, plantains, or a crisp green salad.

Get ready to indulge in a taste of the Caribbean with this flavorful and satisfying Antigua Seafood Platter!

Additional Suggestions:

- Pair with a side of tropical vegetables, such as grilled plantains or a mango salad. This will complement the fresh, light flavors of the seafood.

- You can experiment with different spices such as smoked pepper, cumin, or even a little cinnamon to add depth to the flavor profile.

- For a nutritional boost, consider adding quinoa or an antioxidant-rich green salad, which will balance out the richness of the seafood and provide a balanced meal.

Note: As many people have seafood allergies, it's important to exercise caution when preparing or consuming dishes like the Antigua Seafood Platter. Common allergens in seafood include shellfish like shrimp, scallops, and mussels, as well as fish such as snapper and mahi-mahi. Individuals who have a known allergy to seafood should avoid this dish entirely or consider using alternative protein sources. If preparing the dish for guests, it’s important to notify them of the presence of seafood and offer substitutions for those with allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions :

What are the alternative ingredients to seafood in this dish?

- If seafood isn't available or you're catering to individuals with allergies, you can substitute the seafood with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or even chicken breast. For a more authentic flavor, try using marinated mushrooms or jackfruit to mimic the texture of fish and shrimp.

Can this dish be prepared in a healthier way?

- Yes, the dish can be made even healthier by reducing the butter in the garlic sauce and substituting it with a healthier fat like olive oil or avocado oil. Another option is to bake or steam the seafood instead of grilling, which will cut down on any excess fat while still preserving the flavor.

How should leftovers from this dish be stored?

- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you have a large quantity, freezing is also an option; however, seafood can lose its texture when frozen for extended periods, so it’s best consumed within a month for optimal taste.

What are the best spices to use with this dish?

- The Antigua Seafood Platter pairs well with a variety of spices. Some popular options include garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes, and a touch of lime zest. These spices enhance the natural flavors of the seafood while adding a vibrant, Caribbean twist.

Is this dish suitable for specific diets, such as Keto or Low-Carb?

- Yes, the Antigua Seafood Platter is an excellent choice for those following a keto or low-carb diet. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and rich in healthy fats, especially from the seafood and olive oil. Just be mindful of the sides, and opt for low-carb vegetables or a light salad to maintain the dish’s suitability for these diets.

Nutritional Values

Providing precise nutritional values can be quite detailed and may vary based on specific brands, preparation methods, and quantities used

For the Marinade:

Olive Oil (1/4 cup)

- Calories: 480

- Fat: 54g (mostly healthy fats)

- Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats, olive oil supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

Fresh Lime Juice (2 tablespoons)

- Calories: 8

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Sugars: 1g

- Vitamin C: 15% of the daily value

- Benefits: High in vitamin C, lime juice boosts immune function, promotes healthy skin, and aids digestion.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

- Calories: 8

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0.4g

- Benefits: Garlic has antioxidant properties, supports heart health, and boosts the immune system with its antibacterial properties.

Paprika (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: 6

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, paprika helps reduce inflammation and supports digestion, while adding a mild, smoky flavor.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: 3

- Carbohydrates: 0.5g

- Benefits: Thyme has anti-inflammatory properties, supports respiratory health, and aids in digestion.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

- Salt: 0 calories, but provides sodium essential for fluid balance.

- Black Pepper: 6 calories per teaspoon.

- Benefits: Salt regulates hydration, while pepper enhances digestion and has antioxidant properties.

For the Seafood:

Fresh Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined)

- Calories: 480

- Protein: 92g

- Fat: 6g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Benefits: High in protein and low in fat, shrimp supports muscle health and provides essential minerals like iodine and selenium.

Scallops (1 pound)

- Calories: 320

- Protein: 50g

- Fat: 4g

- Benefits: Scallops are a great source of lean protein, low in fat, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health.

Fresh Fish Fillets (1 pound, snapper, grouper, or mahi-mahi)

- Calories: 400

- Protein: 80g

- Fat: 6g

- Benefits: Fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and support brain function.

Mussels (1 pound, cleaned and debearded)

- Calories: 200

- Protein: 28g

- Fat: 4g

- Benefits: Mussels are rich in protein, omega-3s, and iron, supporting muscle and heart health, as well as boosting energy.

Squid (1 pound, cleaned and sliced into rings)

- Calories: 480

- Protein: 80g

- Fat: 8g

- Carbohydrates: 12g

- Benefits: Squid is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood option that provides essential minerals like copper and selenium, supporting metabolism and immune health.

For the Sauce:

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup)

- Calories: 800

- Fat: 92g

- Saturated Fat: 58g

- Benefits: While high in fat, butter provides essential fatty acids and supports vitamin absorption. Use in moderation for heart health.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced)

- Calories: 16

- Carbohydrates: 4g

- Protein: 0.8g

- Benefits: As mentioned, garlic supports immune health, reduces inflammation, and has antibacterial properties.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup chopped)

- Calories: 1

- Carbohydrates: 0.2g

- Benefits: Parsley is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, supporting immune function and bone health.

Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: 6

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Benefits: Red pepper flakes contain capsaicin, which boosts metabolism, aids digestion, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

- Same as in the Marinade section.

For Garnish:

Fresh Lemon Wedges

- Calories: 5 per wedge

- Benefits: Lemons are high in vitamin C, aiding digestion, enhancing skin health, and boosting immune function.

Fresh Parsley (chopped)

- Same as in the sauce section.

This breakdown provides the calorie and nutritional content of each ingredient along with the benefits. Adjust the portions and ingredients based on personal preferences and dietary needs!