Perfect for a casual get-together or a weeknight dinner, this easy seafood packs recipe is bound to impress. The blend of succulent shrimp, mussels, and cockles, smothered in a spicy homemade marinade and grilled to perfection, makes this dish a true delight for any seafood lover.
The ingredients include a few items that might not be commonly found in your pantry. Scotch bonnet chile, for instance, is a spicy pepper that adds a kick to the recipe. It can be found in the produce section of most supermarkets. Similarly, mussels and cockles are shellfish that can be located in the seafood department. Be sure to select fresh, tightly closed mussels and cockles for this recipe. If they're open, give them a little tap; if they stay open, they're not fresh and should be discarded.
Easy Seafood Packs Recipe Essential Ingredients
Cilantro: This herb has a fresh, bright flavor that brings a pop of freshness to the seafood.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, their mild flavor is a great addition to marinades and sauces.
Garlic cloves: Garlic gives dishes a flavor boost, and it's a great pairing with any type of seafood.
Thyme: This herb adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the dish.
Fresh ginger: Adds a spicy, zesty bite to balance the other flavors.
Scotch bonnet chile: It will add a spicy kick to your seafood packs.
Allspice: A versatile spice which adds a hint of warmth to the recipe.
Nutmeg: Provides a sweet and nutty flavor.
Olive oil: Used for cooking and grilling, and it adds richness to the marinade.
Tomato paste: Adds thickness and a deep tomato flavor to the sauce.
Vinegar: Gives the marinade a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the seafood.
Mussels: They have a delicate, sweet flavor that works well with the spicy marinade.
Cockles: Similar to clams, but with a distinctly salty taste.
Tomatoes: They add a nice color and a sweet, acidic flavor to the dish.
Shrimp: Shrimp are a fantastic source of lean protein and add a nice crunch to the packs.
One reader, Annadiana Colwell says:
This easy seafood packs recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are out of this world, and the cooking process is a breeze. I love how the ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering dish. It's a must-try for seafood lovers!
Techniques Required for Making Easy Seafood Packs
How to prepare the seafood puree: In a food processor, pulse the cilantro with scallions, garlic, thyme, ginger, chile, allspice, and nutmeg until coarsely pureed. Blend in the olive oil, tomato paste, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
How to toss the seafood in the puree: Transfer 6 tablespoons of the puree to a large bowl. Add the mussels, cockles, and tomatoes and toss to coat.
How to assemble the hobo packs: Tear off 4 20-inch long sheets of extra heavy-duty foil. Mound half of the seafood in the center of each of 2 foil sheets. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss with the remaining puree. Arrange the shrimp in a layer on the seafood. Cover with the 2 remaining sheets of foil; fold up the edges all around to seal.
How to grill the hobo packs: Grill the hobo packs over a hot fire for about 6 minutes, or until sizzling and puffed.
How to serve the seafood: Using oven mitts, transfer the packs to a large rimmed platter. Open the packs carefully, pour the seafood into shallow bowls.
How to enjoy the dish: Serve with grilled garlic bread and enjoy.
How To Make Easy Seafood Packs
Taste the refreshing flavors of the sea in these seafood packs. Mussels, cockles, and shrimp are tossed in pureed herbed sauce and grilled in packs.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupcilantro,coarsely chopped
- 4scallions
- 2large garlic cloves
- 1tbspthyme,finely chopped
- 2tspfresh ginger,finely grated
- ¼: 5px; letter-spacing: 2px”>1pinchground allspice
- 1pinchnutmeg,freshly grated
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 1½tbsptomato paste
- 1½tspdistilled white vinegar
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2lbsmussels
- 2lbscockles
- 3tomatoes
- 1lblarge shrimp
Instructions
-
Light a grill.
-
In a food processor, pulse the cilantro with scallions, garlic, thyme, ginger, chile, allspice, and nutmeg until coarsely pureed. Blend in the olive oil, tomato paste, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Transfer 6 tablespoons of the puree to a large bowl. Add the mussels, cockles, and tomatoes and toss to coat.
-
Tear off 4 20-inch long sheets of extra heavy-duty foil. Mound half of the seafood in the center of each of 2 foil sheets. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss with the remaining puree. Arrange the shrimp in a layer on the seafood.
-
Cover with the 2 remaining sheets of foil; fold up the edges all around to seal.
-
Grill the hobo packs over a hot fire for about 6 minutes, or until sizzling and puffed.
-
Using oven mitts, transfer the packs to a large rimmed platter. Open the packs carefully, pour the seafood into shallow bowls.
-
Serve with grilled garlic bread and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 553.07kcal
- Fat: 14.94g
- Saturated Fat: 2.28g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.34g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.56g
- Carbohydrates: 28.70g
- Fiber: 2.51g
- Sugar: 3.72g
- Protein: 74.89g
- Cholesterol: 206.38mg
- Sodium: 1625.36mg
- Calcium: 228.49mg
- Potassium: 1235.25mg
- Iron: 47.03mg
- Vitamin A: 227.62µg
- Vitamin C: 41.03mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Easy Seafood Packs Recipe
When grilling the seafood packs, it's important to ensure that the grill is hot enough before placing the packs on it. This will ensure that the mussels, cockles, and shrimp cook evenly and quickly, preventing them from becoming tough or rubbery. Additionally, be careful when opening the packs after grilling, as the steam inside can be very hot. Using oven mitts and a knife to make a small opening will allow the steam to escape safely.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Seafood Packs
Prep ahead: Prepare ingredients and sauces in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup and utilize only one cooking vessel.
Batch cooking: Make large portions and freeze leftovers for quick and convenient meals later.
Efficient tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to minimize time spent searching for utensils and ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Seafood Packs Recipe
cilantro - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley has a similar fresh and slightly peppery flavor to cilantro, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a substitute for scallions in this recipe.
garlic cloves - Substitute with 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor without the need for mincing.
thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano can be used as a substitute for thyme, providing a slightly different but complementary flavor to the dish.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, providing a convenient alternative with a similar flavor profile.
scotch bonnet chile - Substitute with habanero chile: Habanero chiles have a similar heat level and fruity flavor to scotch bonnet chiles, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
ground allspice - Substitute with equal parts cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg: This homemade blend can replicate the flavor of allspice when it's not available.
nutmeg - Substitute with cinnamon: Cinnamon can be used as a substitute for nutmeg, providing a warm and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, providing a similar tomato flavor and sweetness.
distilled white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for white vinegar, providing a slightly fruity and milder flavor.
mussels - Substitute with clams: Clams can be used as a substitute for mussels, providing a similar texture and flavor in the dish.
cockles - Substitute with small clams: Small clams can be used as a substitute for cockles, providing a similar taste and texture.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing convenience and a consistent flavor.
large shrimp - Substitute with prawns: Prawns can be used as a substitute for large shrimp, providing a similar taste and texture in the recipe.
Presentation Tips for Seafood Packs
Elevate the seafood: Arrange the mussels, cockles, and shrimp in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each element is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Integrate the bright hues of the cilantro, scallions, and tomatoes to create a visually stunning and appetizing presentation.
Utilize height and layers: Stack the seafood packs in a way that creates an impressive visual impact, showcasing the layers of flavors and ingredients within.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and thyme over the seafood packs to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Serve on elegant plating: Present the seafood packs on sleek, modern platters or plates to enhance the overall visual appeal and sophistication of the dish.
Emphasize the grill marks: Highlight the smoky, grilled essence of the dish by ensuring the hobo packs display distinct and appetizing grill marks.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate, edible flowers as a garnish to add a touch of elegance and a subtle floral note to the presentation.
Balance the composition: Ensure a harmonious balance of colors, textures, and shapes on the plate, creating an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
Essential Tools for Making Seafood Packs
- Grill: A cooking appliance that uses direct heat from an open flame or electric heating elements to cook food.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
- Foil: A thin, pliable sheet of metal used for wrapping and covering food during cooking.
- Oven mitts: Insulated gloves designed to protect hands from hot surfaces and objects in the kitchen.
- Platter: A large, flat dish used for serving food.
- Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Seafood Packs
- If you have any leftover seafood packs, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place the seafood packs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on high power.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the seafood packs for up to 3 months. Wrap each pack tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag.
- To reheat frozen seafood packs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions above.
- Note: The texture of the seafood may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Seafood Packs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover seafood packs on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is heated through and the mussels and cockles have opened up again. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavors of the seafood while preventing it from drying out.
For a quicker reheating option, you can use the microwave. Transfer the leftover seafood packs to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the seafood is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become rubbery and tough.
If you have a steamer basket, you can also reheat the seafood packs using this method. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the leftover seafood packs in the steamer basket and set it over the boiling water. Cover the pot and steam for 3-5 minutes, or until the seafood is heated through. This method helps to retain the texture and flavors of the seafood while preventing it from drying out.
For a more flavorful reheating option, you can sauté the leftover seafood packs in a pan. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover seafood packs to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the seafood is heated through and the tomatoes have softened. You can also add some fresh herbs or spices to the skillet to enhance the flavors of the seafood.
If you have a grill, you can also reheat the seafood packs using this method. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the leftover seafood packs on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the seafood is heated through and the mussels and cockles have opened up again. This method helps to add a smoky flavor to the seafood while preventing it from drying out.
Interesting Fact About Seafood Packs
The seafood packs recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a variety of seafood. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with different types of seafood and flavors. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick and easy weeknight meal. Plus, cooking the seafood in foil packs helps to lock in the flavors and juices, resulting in a delicious and tender seafood dish. It's a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. Try adding your favorite seafood and spices to make it your own!
Is This Seafood Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?
This seafood packs recipe offers a cost-effective option for a household. With a variety of seafood, including mussels, cockles, and shrimp, it provides a flavorful and satisfying meal. The use of fresh ingredients like cilantro, scallions, and tomatoes adds nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $30-$40, making it an affordable option for a seafood dish. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8 out of 10, considering the balance of cost, flavor, and nutritional value.
Is This Seafood Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This seafood recipe is relatively healthy due to its high protein content from the mussels, cockles, and shrimp. These seafood items are also low in calories and rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The use of fresh herbs and spices like cilantro, scallions, garlic, thyme, and ginger adds flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy fats.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the puree to lower the overall calorie and fat content
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as scallops or white fish, in place of some of the mussels and cockles
- Include more vegetables in the hobo packs, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or onions, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
To further enhance the nutritional value of this seafood recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Serve the seafood with a side of quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Prepare a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the seafood
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seafood before serving to add a burst of vitamin C and brighten the flavors
- Use whole grain bread for the grilled garlic bread to increase the fiber content and provide a more satisfying accompaniment to the meal
Editor's Opinion on This Seafood Recipe
This seafood packs recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The aromatic blend of cilantro, scallions, garlic, and spices creates a vibrant marinade that infuses the seafood with a burst of Caribbean-inspired taste. The grilling method enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood while adding a subtle smokiness. The presentation in individual foil packs adds a touch of drama to the dining experience. Overall, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive way to enjoy a seafood feast with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for a casual outdoor gathering or a special dinner at home.
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Why trust this Easy Seafood Packs Recipe:
This recipe offers a tantalizing blend of seafood and spices, creating a symphony of flavors. The use of fresh ingredients such as cilantro, scallions, and ginger ensures a vibrant and aromatic dish. The grilling method enhances the natural essence of the mussels, cockles, and shrimp, resulting in a succulent and tender texture. The careful preparation and thoughtful combination of ingredients guarantee a delightful dining experience, earning the trust of users seeking a delectable seafood dish.
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