Fried Seafood Platter Recipe: A Taste of Singapore Cuisine

If you're looking for a dish that is sure to impress your guests, a fried seafood platter is a great choice. This dish is popular in Singaporean cuisine and is a perfect way to showcase the region's love for seafood. A fried seafood platter is a combination of different types of seafood that are coated in batter and deep-fried until crispy. It's usually served with a variety of dipping sauces and accompaniments.

To make a Singaporean-style fried seafood platter, you'll need to start with fresh seafood. Look for a variety of seafood such as prawns, squid, fish, and crab to add to your platter. The seafood is then coated in a batter made from flour, cornstarch, and spices. The batter gives the seafood a crispy texture when fried.

Once the seafood is fried, it's time to serve it with accompaniments and dipping sauces. You can serve your platter with a variety of sides such as fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad. Dipping sauces can include chilli sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or tartar sauce. With the right combination of seafood and sides, a fried seafood platter can be a show-stopping dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Key Takeaways

• A fried seafood platter is a popular dish in Singaporean cuisine that combines different types of seafood that are coated in batter and deep-fried until crispy.
• The dish is usually served with a variety of accompaniments and dipping sauces, such as fries, coleslaw, chilli sauce, and tartar sauce.
• To make a delicious fried seafood platter, start with fresh seafood and coat it in a batter made from flour, cornstarch, and spices before frying it until crispy.

Essentials of a Singaporean Fried Seafood Platter

If you are looking to make a delicious Singaporean fried seafood platter, there are a few essentials you need to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you select the seafood, prepare it for frying, and master the frying techniques.

Selecting the Seafood

When selecting seafood for your fried seafood platter, it is important to choose fresh seafood. Look for seafood that is firm, shiny and has a mild ocean scent. Some of the seafood that works well for a Singaporean fried seafood platter includes fish, prawns, squid, crab, shrimp, lobster, scallops, mussels, oysters, clams, and abalone.

Preparing for Frying

Before you start frying the seafood, it is important to prepare it properly. Clean the seafood and remove any shells, skin, or bones. Cut the seafood into bite-sized pieces if necessary. You can marinate the seafood with spices and herbs for added flavour.

Frying Techniques

To get the perfect golden brown and crispy texture, it is important to master the frying techniques. Use a deep fryer or a wok with enough oil to cover the seafood. Heat the oil to the right temperature, which is around 180°C. Do not overcrowd the pan, or the temperature of the oil will drop, and the seafood will not cook evenly. Fry the seafood until it is golden brown and crispy. Drain the excess oil on a paper towel before serving.

A Singaporean fried seafood platter is a delicious and impressive dish that your guests will love. With fresh seafood, the right preparation, and the perfect frying technique, you can create a tasty and crispy seafood platter that will be the star of any meal.

Accompaniments and Dipping Sauces

When it comes to serving a fried seafood platter, the right accompaniments and dipping sauces can make all the difference. Here are some ideas to help you create a delicious and well-rounded meal.

Side Dishes

To balance out the richness of the fried seafood, consider serving some light and refreshing side dishes. A simple salad of mixed greens and cherry tomatoes dressed with a vinaigrette can be a great option. Alternatively, you could serve some steamed or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans. These will add some colour and variety to your plate, and help to round out the meal.

Homemade Dipping Sauces

While many seafood platters come with pre-made dipping sauces, making your own can be a fun and creative way to add some extra flavour to your meal. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Cocktail Sauce: A classic accompaniment to fried seafood, cocktail sauce is typically made with ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste, but be sure to taste as you go to avoid making it too spicy or too sweet.

• Lemon Wedges: A simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be a great way to add some brightness and acidity to your fried seafood. Simply cut a lemon into wedges and place them on the side of your plate.

• Homemade Tartar Sauce: Tartar sauce is another classic dipping sauce that can be made at home with just a few ingredients. Mix together mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles, capers, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste.

• Garlic Aioli: For a more flavourful dipping sauce, try making your own garlic aioli. Mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for extra flavour.

Remember to serve your fried seafood platter with plenty of paper towels to help soak up any excess oil. With the right accompaniments and dipping sauces, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Serving and Presentation

When it comes to serving a fried seafood platter, presentation is key. Here are some tips to help you create an appetizing display that will impress your family and friends or customers if you're running a seafood restaurant.

Plating the Seafood Platter

Plating the seafood platter is an important aspect of the presentation. You want to make sure that the platter looks visually appealing and is easy to eat from. Here are some plating techniques that you can use:

• Layer the seafood: Arrange the seafood on the platter in layers, with the larger items at the bottom and the smaller ones on top. This will give the platter a more dynamic look and make it easier to serve.

• Use colourful garnishes: Add some colour to the platter by using colourful garnishes such as lemon wedges, parsley, or cherry tomatoes. This will make the platter look more appetizing and visually appealing.

• Arrange the seafood in a pattern: Arrange the seafood in a pattern, such as a circle or a star, to make the platter look more interesting and visually appealing.

Garnishing for Visual Appeal

Garnishing is an important aspect of the presentation of a seafood platter. Here are some garnishing techniques that you can use:

• Use fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil to the platter will give it a fresh and vibrant look.

• Use colourful vegetables: Adding colourful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the platter will make it look more visually appealing.

• Use lemon wedges: Lemon wedges are a classic garnish for seafood and will add a fresh and tangy flavour to the platter.

By using these tips, you can create a visually appealing and appetizing fried seafood platter that will impress your guests or customers. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or running a seafood restaurant, these tips will help you create a memorable and delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.

Local Seafood Spots and Recipes

If you're looking for a delicious fried seafood platter recipe in Singapore, you're in luck! The city-state is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the world, each with their own unique take on the classic dish.

Signature Dishes from Singaporean Restaurants

One of the most popular seafood spots in Singapore is The Boiler. Their seafood platter is a must-try, featuring a variety of fresh seafood including prawns, mussels, and clams. Another great option is Dancing Crab, which offers a Louisiana-style seafood boil that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

If you're looking for a hidden gem, be sure to check out Er Ge Seafood. This Johor Bahru restaurant is known for its giant seafood platter, which features eight different dishes including live red roe crab claypot congee and deep sea giant grouper head in onion lime sauce.

For those who want to try zi char dishes, Flagship Restaurant is a great choice. Their chilli crab is a fan favourite and is sure to please your taste buds. Owner Chef Lun is another must-visit restaurant, offering a wide variety of seafood dishes that are all cooked to perfection.

Incorporating Local Flavours

If you want to try making your own fried seafood platter at home, be sure to incorporate some of Singapore's local flavours. For example, you can add chilli crab sauce to your fried prawns or mussels to give them a spicy kick. You can also try using laksa leaves or lemongrass to add a fragrant aroma to your dish.

Blu Kouzina, located in Dempsey Hill, is a great place to get inspiration for incorporating local flavours into your seafood platter. Their Greek-style seafood platter features grilled octopus and prawns with a side of tzatziki sauce, which is a great complement to the seafood.

Overall, there are plenty of options for those looking to indulge in a delicious fried seafood platter in Singapore. Whether you visit one of the city-state's many seafood restaurants or try making your own at home, be sure to incorporate some of the local flavours to truly experience the best of what Singapore has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are typically included in a mixed seafood platter?

A mixed seafood platter is a delicious feast that usually includes an assortment of seafood like prawns, mussels, squid, crab, and fish. The seafood is usually seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs to enhance the flavour. The platter can be served with a variety of dips and sauces to add an extra layer of taste.

How can I prepare a buttered seafood platter at home?

Preparing a buttered seafood platter at home is easy and requires just a few ingredients. To start, heat butter in a pan and add garlic, lemon zest, and parsley. Add your seafood of choice such as prawns, scallops, and squid. Cook until the seafood is done, and then serve hot with a side of lemon wedges and crusty bread.

Could you suggest an easy method to create a garlic prawn stir fry?

Garlic prawn stir fry is a quick and easy dish that can be prepared in minutes. To start, heat oil in a pan and add chopped garlic. Add the prawns and stir fry until cooked. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar to the pan and stir well. Serve hot with a side of steamed rice.

What are some delightful accompaniments to serve with a seafood platter?

A seafood platter can be served with a variety of accompaniments like lemon wedges, crusty bread, garlic butter, tartar sauce, aioli, or a simple salad. These accompaniments can complement the flavours of the seafood and add an extra layer of taste to the dish.

What's the best way to infuse a spicy kick into a seafood recipe?

If you like spicy food, you can add a touch of heat to your seafood recipe by using spices like chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh chillies or jalapenos to your dish for an extra kick of heat.

How can one describe the flavours and textures of a classic seafood platter?

A classic seafood platter is a delicious feast that is bursting with flavour and texture. The seafood is usually cooked to perfection, and the flavours are enhanced with a blend of spices and herbs. The textures of the seafood can range from tender and juicy to crispy and crunchy, depending on the cooking method. The platter is usually served with a variety of dips and sauces that add an extra layer of taste to the dish.