Choosing The Perfect Caterer

Special Event Seafood Lunch Ideas

15 March 2019 by Cathy Fields

If you want to treat your friends and loved ones to a special treat, plan a seafood-inspired lunch menu for your next special occasion. To save time and ensure the highest quality meal, have your favorite local seafood restaurant cater the event.

Although a seafood-based menu isn't the most budget-friendly option, hosting a lunch rather than a dinner will help you cut down on costs while still giving your guests a delicious meal. Since lunchtime portions are typically smaller than dinnertime portions, you can order less food. You can also opt to make some of the dishes, such the appetizers or desserts, at home to save even more money. 

A seafood-themed lunch will work for almost any type of special occasion, such as large family or corporate holiday celebrations, intimate birthday bashes, elegant bridal or baby showers, beach-inspired wedding receptions, and anniversary or graduation parties. Any other event featuring a tropical or nautical theme will also benefit from a seafood lunch. 

When preparing the lunch menu with the restaurant caterers, take any of your guests' food allergies into consideration. Provide a few land-based options, such as chicken, pork, or beef, as well. Additionally, offer vegans and vegetarians the option of tofu, tempeh, or grilled portobello mushroom caps. To keep things easy, substitute the non-seafood foods into dishes you're already preparing, such as fettuccine Alfredo or tacos. 

Here are some more seafood-inspired lunch ideas to get you started:

1. Grilled Seafood Skewers 

Grilled seafood skewers are one menu item that will work for both elegant and casual events, held anywhere from country club and reception hall venues to park pavilions. The skewers will be appropriate whether prepared on an outdoor or indoor grill as well. 

Start with either metal or water-soaked wooden skewers to prevent a fire hazard. As a tropical twist, alternate jumbo shrimp or sea scallops with pineapple on the skewers. You can also substitute mango, seasonal melon, or any type of vegetable in place of or in addition to the pineapple. As a fun idea, allow guests to create customized lunches by threading their own skewers. 

Serve the skewers on top of rice alongside a selection of dipping sauces. 

2. Seafood and Avocado Ceviche

Another menu item that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor events is seafood and avocado ceviche. Start by cutting the shrimp and avocado into bite-size pieces and allowing them to marinate in an orange and lime juice mixture. You can also add any other ingredients you'd like, including chopped peppers, red onion, and garlic. The acids will put the shrimp through a process called "denaturation," making the flesh appear to be cooked without heat. 

Top the ceviche with cilantro, and serve with tortilla or plantain chips. 

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