The Deluxe Seafood Platter from Captain D's features a generous assortment of crispy golden fried shrimp, tender hand-breaded fish fillets, and flaky clam strips, served with zesty cocktail sauce and fresh lemon wedges, delivering a satisfying combination of savory seafood flavors and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Sheet pans
- Paper towels
- Serving platters
- Ladle or spoon (for sauces)
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Lemon wedge slicer
- Food thermometer
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Fish fillets (such as cod or pollock)
- Clam strips
- All-purpose flour
- Cornmeal
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Cocktail sauce
- Lemons
The Deluxe Seafood Platter from Captain D's requires high-quality shrimp, white fish fillets like cod or pollock, and fresh clam strips to achieve the authentic flavor. Use a well-balanced breading mix that includes all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a crispy texture. Ensure that the vegetable oil is heated to the proper frying temperature, monitored with a food thermometer, to achieve golden, non-greasy seafood. Fresh lemon wedges and zesty cocktail sauce are essential for adding brightness and tanginess to your dish. Your homemade Deluxe Seafood Platter from Captain D's copycat menu will closely replicate the signature crispy and flavorful experience.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare breading station: set up bowls for flour mixture, beaten eggs with milk, and breadcrumb/cornmeal mixture.
- Season flour, breadcrumb, and cornmeal mixtures with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pat shrimp, fish fillets, and clam strips dry with paper towels.
- Dredge seafood in seasoned flour, dip into egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumb/cornmeal mix.
- Arrange breaded seafood on sheet pans.
- Fry seafood in batches: lower into fryer baskets and cook until golden brown (shrimp: 2–3 min, fish: 4–5 min, clam strips: 2–3 min).
- Use tongs to remove fried seafood and drain on paper towels.
- Cut lemons into wedges with chef’s knife or lemon wedge slicer.
- Arrange fried shrimp, fish fillets, and clam strips on serving platters.
- Serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce using ladle or spoon.
- Check internal temperature of fish with food thermometer (should reach 145°F/63°C before serving).
Substitution
The Deluxe Seafood Platter from Captain D's copycat menu offers a similar crispy and flavorful combination of fried shrimp, fish fillets, and clam strips that can be easily prepared at home. If you cannot find clam strips, thinly sliced calamari or additional fish fillets can be used as a substitute without compromising taste. When frying, maintain the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF to ensure a crispy texture without absorbing excess oil. You can prepare a homemade cocktail sauce by mixing ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce for a fresh and zesty dip. Using paper towels to drain the fried seafood helps keep your platter crisp and free from greasiness.
Tips
Make sure to preheat your deep fryer to exactly 350degF (175degC) to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. Always pat the shrimp, fish fillets, and clam strips dry with paper towels before breading to help the coating adhere better. When frying seafood in batches, avoid overcrowding the fryer basket to prevent oil temperature from dropping, which can result in greasy food. Remember to check the internal temperature of fish with a food thermometer, aiming for 145degF (63degC) to guarantee it's fully cooked and safe to eat.
Nutritions
The Deluxe Seafood Platter from Captain D's offers a high-protein meal rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart and brain health. Each serving contains a blend of shrimp, fish fillets, and clam strips, providing a variety of lean seafood sources that are low in saturated fat. The dish is deep-fried in vegetable oil, contributing calories and fat, so moderation is key for those monitoring their fat intake. You can enhance the nutrient profile by pairing the platter with fresh lemon wedges, which add vitamin C and antioxidants.
Storage
Store your Deluxe Seafood Platter in an airtight container, separating the fried shrimp, fish fillets, and clam strips with parchment paper to prevent sogginess. Keep the seafood refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness and safety. Reheat using a deep fryer or oven at 350degF (175degC) to maintain the crispy texture before serving with fresh lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the Deluxe Seafood Platter by swapping cod or pollock with other firm white fish like haddock or tilapia for a slightly different flavor and texture profile. Try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs to achieve an extra crispy coating on your seafood. For a healthier twist, bake the breaded seafood on a greased sheet pan at 400degF (205degC) for 12-15 minutes instead of deep-frying, turning halfway through for even browning. Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix to add a subtle kick to the savory blend.
Allergies
The Deluxe Seafood Platter contains common allergens such as shellfish (shrimp, clam strips) and fish (cod or pollock), which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The breading includes wheat (all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs) and eggs, both known allergens that could affect those with gluten or egg allergies. Your safety is important, so make sure to inform the staff of any food allergies before ordering this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Deluxe Seafood Platter at Captain D's offers a generous assortment of fresh, crispy fried shrimp, flaky fish fillets, and tender crab cakes, providing a satisfying variety that seafood lovers crave. Its perfectly seasoned batter and consistently high-quality ingredients deliver a delightful combination of textures and flavors that stand out. You can recreate this popular dish at home with your own choice of spices and cooking techniques to match your taste preferences, making it both fun and rewarding to prepare. Mastering the copycat recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-quality seafood platters anytime without the wait or expense.