Seafood Appetizer Recipes

My mom always cooked this recipe when I was a kid: deep fried calamari. This is one of our family's favorite foods. Simple yet very delicious.

Before I knew much about food or dining out, I knew that if they brought shrimp cocktails to the table as an appetizer, we were eating at a 'fancy' restaurant. I'm sure I enjoyed the shrimp, but what I really loved was dipping the crackers in the spicy, horseradish-spiked cocktail sauce.

A wonderful appetizer to enjoy with friends when San Francisco's Indian summer warms the city. The true way to 'cook' the fish is to marinate it in citrus juice overnight, but I find that the poaching process is faster and an easy way to judge if it is indeed cooked. I often buy precooked shrimp (but NOT frozen!) and just poach the scallops. Best when served with cold beer (we prefer Pacifico®) and fresh limes. Using quality and sturdy tortilla chips is essential. Please note that the serving size is meant for appetizer portions.

This is the result of trying to duplicate a seafood chain's recipe. Comes close enough, they're gone the minute they hit the table!

Bacon-wrapped scallops lightly marinated in a teriyaki, fresh grated ginger, and brown sugar sauce. These are always a huge hit at every party I go to. They disappear fast and then I'm always asked for the recipe. I often hear comments such as, What an awesome combination!!! and These are so additive!!

These are delicious Clams Casino that my girlfriend makes for me, with a few of my own refinements. Great for the game on Sunday.

While not 'authentic,' these crispy crab and cream cheese wontons are one of the most addictive, delicious, and crowd-pleasing appetizers ever created. That is, if the filling has enough crab in it. I'm using a 1 to 1 ratio of crab to cream cheese.

Very easy to make and absolutely wonderful! I am from Maryland and this is truly the best crab dip around. I have been making it for years.

This is an awesomely simple, light, and refreshing salsa that goes great with tortilla chips.

With fresh vegetables wrapped in rice paper, these Vietnamese spring rolls are a refreshing appetizer for an Asian-inspired meal.

Serve these crispy tuna patties as a simple appetizer or hot sandwich.

Shrimp marinated in lemon, garlic, and parsley for 30 minutes, then grilled. Can be used as an appetizer or main dish. This recipe also works well with scallops.