Shellfish and Seafood Medley

Featured in: Warm Family Dinners

This dish brings together a fresh assortment of shellfish and seafood gently steamed with shallots, garlic, and white wine. The process ensures tender mussels, clams, shrimp, and scallops infused with aromatic parsley and a hint of lemon. Perfect for pescatarian dining, it offers a light yet richly flavored experience. Quick to prepare, it pairs well with crusty bread to savor the delicate broth and can be customized with chili flakes or fish stock for varying tastes.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:58:00 GMT
Steaming shellfish and seafood medley, bursting with fresh flavors, perfectly cooked for a light main course. Save
Steaming shellfish and seafood medley, bursting with fresh flavors, perfectly cooked for a light main course. | birchplate.com

A delectable assortment of fresh shellfish and seafood, steamed and served with aromatic herbs, perfect for a festive appetizer or light main course.

This French medley always brings a touch of elegance to our family dinners, making every bite a celebration.

Ingredients

  • Shellfish & Seafood: 500 g mussels, cleaned and debearded, 300 g clams, rinsed, 200 g shrimp, peeled and deveined, 150 g scallops, cleaned
  • Aromatics: 2 shallots, finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Liquids: 200 ml dry white wine, 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large, deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
Step 2:
Increase the heat to high. Add the mussels and clams. Pour in the white wine, cover, and steam for 3 4 minutes until the shells begin to open.
Step 3:
Add the shrimp and scallops to the pan. Cover again and cook for another 3 4 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and scallops are opaque.
Step 4:
Discard any shellfish that have not opened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5:
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the seafood and gently toss to combine.
Step 6:
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Plump shrimp and scallops nestled in a shellfish & seafood medley, served with bright lemon wedges and herbs. Save
Plump shrimp and scallops nestled in a shellfish & seafood medley, served with bright lemon wedges and herbs. | birchplate.com

Gathering around the table with loved ones while sharing this dish creates cherished family memories.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the aromatic broth. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes with the garlic.

Required Tools

Large deep pan with lid, slotted spoon, serving platter

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish and mollusks. May contain traces of fish or crustaceans. Double-check for potential cross-contamination or sensitivities.

Fragrant shellfish & seafood medley, ready to be enjoyed with the taste of the sea, perfect for sharing. Save
Fragrant shellfish & seafood medley, ready to be enjoyed with the taste of the sea, perfect for sharing. | birchplate.com

This shellfish & seafood medley is a simple yet impressive dish that delights every time.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What types of shellfish are used in this medley?

This medley includes mussels, clams, shrimp, and scallops, each cleaned and prepared to bring a balanced texture and flavor.

How is the seafood cooked to ensure tenderness?

The seafood is steamed gently over white wine and olive oil, allowing the shells to open and the shrimp and scallops to cook until just opaque, preserving tenderness.

Can the white wine be substituted?

Yes, fish stock can replace white wine for a non-alcoholic version without compromising the aromatic broth's depth.

What herbs enhance the flavor of this dish?

Fresh flat-leaf parsley is sprinkled over the cooked seafood, adding a bright, herbaceous note to complement the natural flavors.

Are there suggestions to add a spicy touch?

Adding a pinch of chili flakes with garlic during the initial sautéing introduces a subtle heat that complements the seafood's sweetness.

What is the best way to serve this seafood medley?

Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side and crusty bread to soak up the aromatic cooking broth for a complete experience.

Shellfish and Seafood Medley

A vibrant blend of steamed shellfish and seafood accented with herbs for a fresh, flavorful dish.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type French

Servings produced 4 Serving Size

Diet Details No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You'll Need

Shellfish & Seafood

01 1.1 lbs mussels, cleaned and debearded
02 0.66 lbs clams, rinsed
03 0.44 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
04 0.33 lbs scallops, cleaned

Aromatics

01 2 shallots, finely chopped
02 2 garlic cloves, minced
03 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Liquids

01 0.85 cup dry white wine
02 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning

01 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
02 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 02

Steam shellfish: Raise heat to high and add mussels and clams. Pour in dry white wine, cover pan, and steam for 3 to 4 minutes until shells begin to open.

Step 03

Cook shrimp and scallops: Add shrimp and scallops to pan, cover again, and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until shrimp are pink and scallops opaque.

Step 04

Discard unopened shellfish and season: Remove any shellfish that remain closed after cooking. Season the medley with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference.

Step 05

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped flat-leaf parsley over the seafood and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Tools Needed

  • Large deep pan with lid
  • Slotted spoon
  • Serving platter

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and mollusks
  • May contain traces of fish or crustaceans
  • Check for possible cross-contamination with allergens

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 260
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 38 g