Picture this: a platter of fresh, glistening seafood presented on crushed ice, served with a variety of sauces and garnishes. Wedges of limes and lemons, smokey Marie rose or bright tarragon salsa verde. The sun is shining and the beverages are chilled, friends and families are sharing or fighting over the last mud crab claw. It seems you can never have enough seafood once you’ve set the scene.

My philosophy on a great seafood platter is execution – so keep it very simple, 2 - 4 bounties of the sea served at their absolute peak. Always have oysters to fill the gaps! Most sustainable protein on earth – we as humans need to eat more!

Try to only pick one star of the show – this year is likely to be the last year of well-priced Southern rock lobsters prior to the export price hikes. Cook in well-seasoned water after it has been killed humanely, I tend to skewer it prior to cooking to stop it from curling.
I highly suggest spending money on good Australian prawns, the difference of flavour, texture and farming practices really separate themselves from the lesser. Serve with a spiced-up Marie rose sauce and you are off and running.
I tend to take my seafood out of the fridge 15 – 30 minutes before putting it on ice, so you can get full flavoured seafood.

I recommend sourcing the freshest seafood available closest to the time of serving, with a focus on a delicious mix of cooked and raw. This year I’d recommend some WA Albany rock oysters to go with Pacific oysters – served with a small bottle of tabasco and lemon, easy to execute with that added touch. Mussels are always well priced and add great value to the platter. Simply steam and serve them in the half shell with a light vinaigrette featuring some citrus. An easy way to make your platter look generous.

Build the platter with the bivalves filling the edges of your large plate and building to the centre with your bigger items. If you’re serving on ice ensure you don’t over fill it, or it will melt and make a big seafood mess! Lot’s of shell bowls, crackers and wet towels to get everyone involved. If you’re sitting, some plastic bibs are always a bit of fun!

Love from the beach. X JS