Seafood Pie Recipe: Hearty Ocean Catch in a Flaky Crust

As a pitmaster with a passion for blending French technique with coastal flavors, I’m excited to share my seafood pie recipe that brings the ocean to your dinner table. This flaky crust recipe is a game-changer.

With a mix of succulent shrimp, tender cod, and flavorful scallops, this pie is a hearty celebration of the sea. Let’s dive into making this delicious seafood pie, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

Ingredients for Seafood Pie

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delicious seafood pie with flaky crust.

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For the flaky crust, keep butter cold—straight from the fridge. Cold butter is key. Use ice water too. Don’t overwork the dough. You can make it ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Shrimp, cod, and scallops make this pie hearty. Fresh seafood is best, but frozen works too (just thaw completely and pat dry). If you can’t find scallops, add more shrimp or cod. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

This pie reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Seafood Pie

Let’s create this impressive seafood pie together – it’s easier than you think.

Step 1: Make the Flaky Crust

In a large bowl, combine the 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour and 1 tsp Salt. I like to use a pastry blender for this step, but you can also use your fingertips to work the 1 cup Cold Unsalted Butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces remaining. This texture is crucial for a flaky crust.

Slowly pour in the 0.5 cup Ice Water while gently stirring with a fork. The dough will start to come together in shaggy masses – don’t overmix. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just until it forms a cohesive disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling

While the crust chills, prepare your seafood mixture. In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the 1 whole Onion (diced) and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Then add the 3 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced) and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the 1 lb Shrimp, 1 lb Cod Fillets (cut into 1-inch pieces), and 0.5 lb Scallops. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the seafood is just opaque and starting to flake. Stir in 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley, 2 tbsp Fresh Dill, 2 tbsp Lemon Juice, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang. Fill the crust with the seafood mixture and dot the top with any remaining butter pieces.

Roll out the remaining dough to the same size as the first. Use this to cover the pie and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the top crust with a little extra melted butter and bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

Step 4: Let it Rest Before Serving

Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve. The crust will also have a chance to firm up a bit, ensuring clean slices.

Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. The combination of tender seafood, flaky crust, and aromatic herbs makes for a truly impressive dish perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.

Creative Variations of seafood pie

Coastal Italian Seafood Variation

For an Italian-inspired twist, add 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil and 1 tsp dried oregano to the seafood mixture. Replace the lemon juice with 2 tbsp white wine and add ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. This variation brings the flavors of the Mediterranean coast to your seafood pie. 🌿

Spicy Cajun Seafood Pie

To give your seafood pie a spicy kick, mix in 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and ½ tsp cayenne pepper with the seafood. Add 1 diced jalapeño to the onion and garlic sauté. This bold variation is perfect for those who love spicy food. 🔥

Smoked Seafood Variation

For a smoky flavor, add ¼ cup smoked salmon (diced) to the seafood mixture. You can also substitute 1 tbsp liquid smoke for the lemon juice. This gives the pie a deep, smoky flavor reminiscent of coastal barbecue. 🐟

Low-Country Boil Inspiration

Inspired by the classic low-country boil, add 1 cup smoked sausage (sliced) to the seafood mixture. Include 1 cup corn kernels and 1 cup diced red potatoes for a heartier pie. This variation turns your seafood pie into a complete meal. 🌽

Greek-Style Seafood Pie

For a Greek twist, mix in ¼ cup chopped kalamata olives and ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese with the seafood. Add 1 tsp dried oregano and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This variation brings the bright, tangy flavors of Greek cuisine to your pie. 🧀

Personal Touch: Foraging Inspiration

I love adding wild foraged ingredients to my seafood pie. Consider adding wild garlic or seaweed for a unique flavor. When foraging, ensure you’re picking safe, sustainable ingredients. This personal touch connects me to the coastal environment.