How to Make a Seafood Tray for Parties and Special Occasions

         Planning a feast? Learn how to make a seafood tray that’s perfect for parties, celebrations, and special occasions, using our premium fresh frozen seafood that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress!

         When it comes to throwing a party or hosting a special event, nothing feels more festive than a beautifully arranged seafood tray. Loaded with flavor, color, and texture, a seafood platter can serve as the centerpiece of your spread, whether it's a birthday “salu-salo”, family reunion, corporate celebration or online food tray business order.

         The best part? You can build a stunning seafood tray using our frozen products, without compromising on freshness or taste.

         Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a seafood tray that’s both Instagram-worthy and easy to prepare.

Step 1: Choose Your Seafood Selection

         A good seafood tray should offer variety in flavor and texture. Here are some of our seafood crowd favorites that are always a hit:

        “Tip: Use vacuum-sealed frozen seafood for consistent quality and easier storage.”

• Chilean Mussels – perfect for cheesy baked mussels
• Peeled Shrimp – steamed, buttered, or tempura-style
• Half-shelled Scallops – ideal for baking with garlic butter
• Squid Rings– grilled or stuffed
• Salmon Loin (Skinless) – seared or baked
• Tuna Cubes – great for skewers or poke-style servings
• Golden Pompano – for centerpiece fish dishes
  
  

Step 2: Decide on Cooking Methods

         Keep the cooking simple to highlight the freshness of your seafood:

• Bake: Mussels, scallops with cheese or garlic butter
  
• Grill: Squid, shrimp, tuna skewers
  
• Pan-sear: Salmon loins or tuna cubes
  
• Steam: Shrimp and fish for a healthier option
  
• Fry: Tempura-style shrimp or crispy squid rings

          Add butter, garlic, lemon, and herbs to enhance natural seafood flavors.

Step 3: Prep and Plate It Beautifully

         In preparing a seafood tray, you can use a large tray or “bilao” lined with banana leaves, parchment or foil. Arrange items in sections for visual appeal (group by type). Then you can add garnishes like lemon wedges, parsley, garlic chips, or chili flakes. Serve with sauces like spicy vinegar, garlic mayo, sweet chili, or toyomansi

Step 4: Pair with Sides and Add-Ons

         Make your seafood tray more filling and balanced by adding Garlic fried rice or Java rice, a flavorful staple that soaks up sauces and balances rich seafood. You can also add Corn on the cob or buttered vegetables for sweet and savory, it adds color and texture to your platter. Crab paste or “aligue” sauce to add indulgence and umami flavor. And also, Fresh Ensaladang Talong or Cucumber Salad, a fresh, acidic side that cuts through rich seafood.

         Offering a mix of carbs, veggies and sauces not only enhances the meal but also adds value to your tray, especially if you’re selling it.

Step 5: Serve It for the Right Occasion

         Seafood trays are a hit for all kinds of gatherings and special occasions. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a family reunion, planning a corporate lunch, or preparing a holiday feast like Christmas, New Year or Fiesta, a seafood tray adds a touch of indulgence and celebration to any table. They're also ideal for potluck parties, team meetings, anniversaries and even online food tray businesses. 

          Prep ahead by thawing your seafood safely in the fridge overnight. Keep your seafood tray covered and chilled until ready to serve or deliver, especially for food businesses.