The Seafood Platter from Sizzler features a generous assortment of golden-fried shrimp, tender calamari, and flaky white fish, served with crispy fries and tangy dipping sauces, offering a delightful combination of crispy, savory, and fresh ocean flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Sheet pans
- Paper towels/racks (for draining)
- Serving platters
- Sauce ramekins/bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Fish spatula
- Thermometer (for oil)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb (450g) calamari rings
- 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (e.g., cod or haddock)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1.5 lbs (700g) frozen or fresh French fries
- 1 lemon (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Tartar sauce
- Cocktail sauce
Ensure the shrimp, calamari, and white fish fillets are thoroughly peeled, deveined, and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. Use panko breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder and paprika to achieve a crispy, flavorful coating that complements the seafood's natural taste. Maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) using a thermometer to avoid greasy or undercooked seafood. Fresh or frozen fries should be cooked until golden brown and crispy to provide the perfect side texture. Your Seafood Platter from Sizzler copycat menu will impress with its balance of crispy, savory seafood paired with tangy dipping sauces and fresh garnishes.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Set up breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, one with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Pat shrimp, calamari, and fish dry with paper towels.
- Dredge shrimp, calamari, and fish fillets in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip floured seafood in the egg mixture.
- Coat seafood in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
- Arrange breaded seafood on a sheet pan.
- Fry French fries as per package or until crispy and golden; drain on paper towels/racks.
- Fry shrimp in batches until golden and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes); drain.
- Fry calamari in batches until golden and just cooked (about 1-2 minutes); drain.
- Fry fish fillets until golden and flaky (about 3-4 minutes); drain.
- Arrange fries and fried seafood on serving platters.
- Garnish platter with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with tartar sauce and cocktail sauce in ramekins.
Substitution
The Seafood Platter from Sizzler copycat menu can be easily customized by substituting fish varieties according to availability, such as swapping white fish fillets for tilapia or pollock. If you lack a deep fryer, pan-frying the seafood in a heavy skillet with ample oil can produce similarly crispy results, though it requires careful temperature control with your thermometer. When fresh seafood is not accessible, frozen shrimp and calamari work well as long as they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry to maintain crispiness. You can replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs to cater to pantry limitations without sacrificing texture. Your dipping sauces can also be varied to suit personal taste preferences, ensuring a pleasing flavor profile tailored just for you.
Tips
Ensure your oil temperature stays steady at 350degF (175degC) using a thermometer to achieve crispy, non-greasy seafood. Patting the shrimp, calamari, and fish dry before breading helps the coating adhere better and prevents splattering. Fry seafood in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature and to cook each piece evenly. Use paper towels or racks to drain excess oil efficiently, keeping your platter crisp and preventing sogginess.
Nutritions
Your Seafood Platter from Sizzler provides a rich source of lean protein from shrimp, calamari, and white fish, which are also high in essential omega-3 fatty acids supporting heart health. The panko breadcrumb coating and deep-frying method add carbohydrates and fats, increasing calorie content, while contributing to the meal's satisfying crispy texture. Accompanying French fries contribute additional carbohydrates and sodium, and the tartar and cocktail sauces provide fats and potential added sugars or sodium, so portion control can help manage nutritional balance. Including fresh lemon and parsley adds minor vitamins and antioxidants that complement the overall nutrient profile.
Storage
Store leftover seafood platter components separately in airtight containers to maintain their texture and flavor. Place fried shrimp, calamari, and fish on paper towels to absorb excess oil before refrigerating, while fries should be kept in a dry container to avoid sogginess. You can reheat seafood gently in the oven at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness without overcooking.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or seasoned crushed nuts to add a different texture and flavor to the seafood coating. Instead of frying, opt for baking the seafood at 400degF (200degC) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway to reduce oil use while retaining crispiness. Using a mixture of Old Bay seasoning or Cajun spice blend in the breadcrumb mixture can intensify the savory profile of the platter. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can replace parsley for garnish to introduce a unique aromatic touch to your presentation.
Allergies
The Seafood Platter from Sizzler contains shellfish like shrimp and calamari, which are common allergens that could trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The batter includes eggs, milk, and wheat flour, all of which are known allergens that you should be cautious about if you have food sensitivities. Cross-contamination in the frying oil may also pose a risk for those with severe seafood or gluten allergies.
Why this recipe?
Sizzler's Seafood Platter menu offers a delicious variety of fresh shrimp, scallops, and crab cakes, seasoned and grilled to perfection, making it a favorite among seafood lovers. The combination of rich flavors and tender textures provides an indulgent dining experience that feels both satisfying and luxurious. Creating a copycat version allows you to enjoy the restaurant-quality taste at home, saving money while controlling ingredient quality and preferences. Your homemade Seafood Platter captures the essence of Sizzler's signature dish, making it a rewarding culinary challenge worth trying.