Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter: Impress with Minimal Prep

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

As the sun begins to set on a warm summer evening, I can t help but recall the joy of entertaining friends with a vibrant and refreshing dish that not only delights the palate but also evokes the spirit of the coast. This Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter is my go-to for gatherings, a showstopper that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. Picture succulent lobster, juicy prawns, and briny oysters beautifully arranged, ready to impress your guests.

With its array of homemade sauces and warm, crusty sourdough, this seafood platter is more than just food it s a celebration of life s simple pleasures. Whether it s a casual get-together or a festive holiday meal, this dish embodies the essence of Australian cuisine, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. So, gather your fresh seafood, and let s assemble a platter that will not only tantalize the taste buds but also create lasting memories around the table.

Why is the Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter a Must-Try?

Impressive Presentation: Your guests will be wowed by the stunning arrangement of fresh seafood, making it the centerpiece of your gathering.
Effortless Assembly: With minimal prep time, you can enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Flavors of the Coast: The rich taste of ocean-fresh seafood complemented by zesty sauces delivers a taste of Australia right to your table.
Versatile Appeal: Perfect for summer barbecues, holiday feasts, or casual get-togethers, it caters to every occasion!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This platter brings together a variety of textures and flavors, ensuring there s something for everyone to love.
Gourmet Feel at Home: With just a few quality ingredients, you can create a luxurious dining experience that impresses without the restaurant price tag.

Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter Ingredients

For the Seafood
Lobster The centerpiece of the platter; using pre-cooked lobster saves time and effort.
Prawns Sweet and juicy; both fresh and cooked prawns will add a delightful burst of flavor.
Oysters Offering a briny taste; ensure you choose fresh oysters served on ice for best results.
Scallops Tender and rich when cooked properly; purchasing cleaned and deveined scallops makes prep easy.
Smoked Salmon Adds a contrasting flavor; feel free to substitute with other smoked fish if preferred.

For the Dips and Sauces
Crème Fraîche A creamy condiment for serving; can be swapped out for sour cream if you don t have it on hand.
Green Chilli and Lime Mayo This zesty sauce combines heat and freshness; store-bought versions work well too.
Mango and Lime Salsa A deliciously fresh topping; other fruits like pineapple can be substituted for a twist.

For the Bread and Garnish
Warm Sourdough Perfect for balancing the seafood flavors; any rustic bread makes a great alternative.
Rock Salt Helps keep seafood stable on the platter; you can use any coarse salt if rock salt is unavailable.

For Cooking the Scallops
Garlic Butter Elevates the scallop flavor; simply mix butter with minced garlic and season to taste.

This Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter is sure to impress your guests while being a breeze to put together!

How to Make Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter

1. Prepare the platter: Line a large serving dish with rock salt to ensure stability for the seafood. This not only enhances visual appeal but also keeps everything fresh.

2. Arrange seafood: Start with lobster in the center, then artfully place prawns, oysters, and scallops around it. Make sure to minimize gaps for an impressive display.

3. Prepare scallops: Mix softened butter with minced garlic and season to taste. Grill scallops for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

4. Serve salmon: Place smoked salmon on a wooden board alongside warm sourdough, crème fraîche, and lime wedges for a lovely contrast in flavors.

5. Make sauces: In a food processor, blend green chili with mayonnaise and a splash of lime juice for the mayo. For the salsa, combine mango, fresh mint, and lime juice, then chill both until ready to serve.

6. Serve: Present the platter with homemade sauces on the side, and gather your friends to enjoy a truly luxurious seafood experience.

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch of elegance.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and customize your platter to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

• Crab Swap: Replace lobster with sweet, tender crab for a delightful twist. It brings a similar richness but adds its own unique flavor.

• Mussels Add-On: Toss in steamed mussels for a pop of color and added texture. Their briny goodness complements the other seafood beautifully.

• Smoky Cauliflower: For a vegetarian option, substitute seafood with grilled cauliflower steaks marinated in smoked paprika, offering a robust flavor profile.

• Spicy Kick: Make the green chili and lime mayo extra zesty by adding sriracha for a delightful kick. This will elevate your dipping experience to new heights.

• Fruit Variations: Use seasonal fruits in your mango salsa, like peach or kiwi, to bring a refreshing sweetness that brightens the whole dish.

• Herb-Infused Butter: For scallops, mix in fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro with your garlic butter for a fragrant, gourmet touch.

• Gluten-Free Option: Instead of sourdough, serve with gluten-free crackers to keep the platter accessible for everyone. They ll still add that crunchy contrast!

• Citrus Burst: Drizzle your seafood with a mix of lemon, lime, and orange juice for a burst of freshness that brings out the oceanic flavors in every bite.

By experimenting with these variations, you can create a unique seafood platter that suits any occasion!

What to Serve with Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter?

Creating an inviting meal goes beyond just the star of the show; it s about crafting unforgettable experiences around the table.

• Crispy French Fries: Perfectly salted and served hot, these golden fries offer a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender seafood.
• Garlic Bread: The aroma of warm, buttery garlic bread fills the air and pairs beautifully with the seafood s richness, making it an irresistible side.

Imagine savoring each bite of succulent lobster next to buttery slices of garlic bread, enhancing that coastal dining experience.

• Green Salad: A fresh, lightly dressed salad provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of your seafood platter, ensuring a well-rounded meal.
• Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a zesty Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the ocean s bounty and adds a touch of elegance to your gathering.

Together, they create a perfect harmony of taste and texture, allowing the vibrant flavors of your Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter to truly shine.

• Fruit Platter: A vibrant selection of seasonal fruits offers a sweet and refreshing palate cleanser, balancing the savory elements of your spread.
• Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a rich and creamy chocolate mousse adds a touch of indulgence that leaves your guests with a satisfied smile and sweet memories.

Enjoy sharing these pairings with your friends as you soak up the joy of good food and great company!

Expert Tips for the Best Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter

• Freshness Is Key: Always choose the freshest seafood possible to enhance flavor. Look for bright colors and a clean ocean scent to ensure quality.
• Mind the Scallops: Overcooking scallops can lead to a rubbery texture. Aim for a golden brown sear, cooking for only 2-3 minutes on each side.
• Pre-Prep Sauces: To save time and stress on the day of serving, prepare your dipping sauces ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
• Garnish Creatively: Add vibrant garnishes like fresh herbs or citrus slices to elevate your platter s presentation. It makes everything visually appealing!
• Perfect Pairings: Consider pairing your seafood with a refreshing white wine or homemade cocktails to complement the flavors of your Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter.
• Serving with Style: Use a large, flat platter for an impressive display, ensuring each piece of seafood is distinguishable and inviting.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing the Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter ahead of time can save you precious moments on busy evenings! You can marinate your scallops in garlic butter and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours; this not only enhances their flavor but also keeps them tender. Additionally, the green chili and lime mayo and the mango and lime salsa can be made up to 3 days in advance; just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you re ready to serve, simply grill the scallops (for 2-3 minutes) and arrange your seafood on the platter. This way, you ll enjoy a show-stopping dish with minimal last-minute effort just as delicious and visually stunning as if you made everything from scratch right before your guests arrive!

How to Store and Freeze Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter

Fridge: Store leftover seafood in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep each type separate to preserve texture and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze seafood individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This keeps the Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Thaw seafood overnight in the fridge before reheating. Gently warm scallops in a pan on low heat for a couple of minutes but be cautious not to overcook them again.

Prep Tips: Although it s best enjoyed fresh, repurpose any leftover seafood in salads, pasta dishes, or use them in omelets for next-day meals.

Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter Recipe FAQs

What kind of lobster should I use for the platter?
For the Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter, I recommend using pre-cooked lobster to save time without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer to cook your own, look for live lobsters that are still moving. A bright red hue is a good indicator of freshness once cooked.

How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover seafood in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It s best to keep each type of seafood separate to maintain texture and flavor. You can enjoy them cold in salads or gently reheat them for a comforting dish.

Can I freeze the seafood platter?
Absolutely! To freeze, lay the seafood out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Then transfer the seafood to zip-top freezer bags. This Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What if my scallops are tough after cooking?
Oh no! Tough scallops usually result from overcooking. A quick grill for 2-3 minutes on each side usually does the trick. If you find your scallops tough, adjust your cooking time the next time. Always ensure your skillet is preheated, so they sear beautifully.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you re entertaining guests with dietary restrictions or allergies, it s important to ask about seafood allergies ahead of time. You can also substitute ingredients for those who are lactose intolerant. Use dairy-free mayonnaise for the lime mayo and consider the creaminess of alternatives for the dips.

Can I use different types of seafood?
The more the merrier! Feel free to substitute the lobster with crab or langoustine for variety. You can also add mussels or grilled calamari to enhance your Easy As Aussie Seafood Platter. Just ensure they are cooked properly to maintain their delightful textures.