What kind of seafood was likely at Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday centered around food, family, and giving thanks. The traditional Thanksgiving meal typically consists of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, veggies, rolls, and pumpkin pie. However, seafood dishes have also become a popular addition to many families’ Thanksgiving spreads.

When did seafood become part of Thanksgiving tradition?

While turkey has long reigned as the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals, seafood appetizers and main dishes have been part of Thanksgiving feasts since the very first harvest celebration held by the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans in 1621. Historians believe that shellfish like lobster, clams and mussels were most likely served at the first Thanksgiving, as the Wampanoag lived along the coast and had ready access to seafood.

Oysters were another common food for both European settlers and Native Americans in the Plymouth colony, and were plentiful in New England’s coastal waters. Letters and cookbooks from early American colonists mention serving oysters and other shellfish like lobster and eels at holiday meals.

Throughout American history, regional Turkey Day menus evolved to include local ingredients. On the coasts, that often meant seafood. Recipes for scalloped oysters, lobster stew and baked clams emerged as Thanksgiving favorites in New England coastal communities in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Why do some families serve seafood on Thanksgiving?

There are a few key reasons why seafood gained a foothold at the Thanksgiving table:

Coastal location – Families who live near the ocean or have roots in U.S. coastal regions are more likely to incorporate local seafood into holiday meals.
Cultural and family traditions – Recipes get passed down through generations, so if a family has always served oysters or crab legs at Thanksgiving, they uphold the custom.
Variety of flavors – Seafood offers more flavor diversity to the classic roasted turkey and gravy main course.

Regional ingredients – Similar to how Thanksgiving tamales are popular in the Southwest U.S., seafood dishes emerged based on what was abundant and popular regionally.

While not yet as ubiquitous as turkey and pumpkin pie, seafood has cemented itself as a favorite Thanksgiving food tradition for many American families – whether they live on the coasts or inland!

What are the most popular seafood dishes for Thanksgiving?

Here are five of the top seafood appetizers, sides and mains that frequently show up on Thanksgiving tables:

Oysters

Slurping down raw oysters and clams was a Thanksgiving tradition long before turkey took center stage. Oysters are still the most iconic and popular Thanksgiving seafood across the country. They can be served raw on the half shell, smoked, steamed, roasted or in dressing and casseroles.

Crab legs

Cracking into snow crab or king crab legs provides a satisfying start to the big meal. Crab also stars in rich crab bisques and crab cakes.

Lobster rolls

For East Coast families, lobster is a favorite Thanksgiving sight. Lobster meat shines in classic New England-style rolls and also in decadent mashed potato dishes.

Crab cakes

Maryland’s Chesapeake blue crab makes for fantastic crab cakes, which have become a popular hand-held seafood appetizer for Thanksgiving. Mini crab cakes also sometimes show up incorporated into stuffing.

Scalloped oysters

Scalloped oysters casserole was one of the first oyster recipes adapted for Thanksgiving. The creamy baked dish remains beloved in New England and the Mid-Atlantic region.

Regional Thanksgiving seafood traditions

While oysters, lobster and crab enjoy Thanksgiving spotlight nationwide, some seafood dishes are cornerstones of regional holiday feasts. Here are a few examples of location-based seafood specialties:

Region	Signature Seafood
New England	Clam chowder, lobster rolls, baked stuffed clams
Mid-Atlantic	Crab cakes, fried oyster stew
The South	Shrimp and grits, fried catfish
Pacific Northwest	Smoked salmon, Dungeness crab, oyster stuffing
California	Cioppino seafood stew, grilled salmon

Most popular nationwide seafood dishes

While regional variations exist, these are the top seafood dishes that frequently make Thanksgiving menus across America:

Dish	Description
Oysters on the half shell	Raw oysters served chilled on the half shell
Smoked salmon	Thin slices of smoked salmon served as an appetizer
Crab cakes	Pan-fried patties made of lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, spices
Lobster rolls	Lobster meat drizzled with mayo or butter, served in a hot dog bun
Scalloped oysters	Baked oysters topped with buttered breadcrumbs and milk or cream
Crab legs	Snow crab legs, king crab legs, Dungeness crab legs

How to pick seafood for Thanksgiving

Want to add seafood to your Thanksgiving meal but not sure where to start? Here are some tips for choosing quality seafood for the holiday table:

Consider what’s local and fresh

Pick seafood that is in season in your area or region. This ensures maximum freshness and flavor. Oysters, clams, mussels, salmon, lobster and crab are in-season fall picks.

Shop at trusted fish markets or counters

Buy seafood at high-turnover seafood markets or the seafood counter at well-regarded grocery stores. Avoid pre-packaged seafood. Ask questions – where is it from? How fresh is it?

Look for freshness indicators

Seafood like oysters and clams should be tightly shut. Lobster and crab should be lively when picked up. Fresh fish has clear, bright eyes and resilient flesh.

Allow time to thaw frozen items

If using frozen seafood like shrimp or frozen crab legs, make sure to plan ahead and thaw in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking.

Source sustainable options when possible

Marine Stewardship Council certified sustainable seafood ensures healthy oceans. Farm-raised oysters, clams and mussels are environmentally friendly options.

Easy Thanksgiving seafood recipes

Trying to add a new seafood dish to Thanksgiving but short on time? These are some easy seafood recipes perfect for the holiday:

Baked Oysters

Shuck oysters, top with buttered breadcrumbs, lemon and Parmesan. Bake at 425F until browned and bubbly.

Smoked Salmon Appetizer

Serve slices of smoked salmon on crackers or baguette slices with cream cheese, capers, red onion and dill.

Garlic Shrimp

Saute shrimp with lots of garlic, butter, lemon, white wine and parsley over high heat just until pink.

Dungeness Crab Cakes

Fold lump crab meat together with breadcrumbs, mayo, Worcestershire, lemon, parsley and Old Bay seasoning. Form into patties and pan fry.

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Make a classic mac and cheese recipe, folding in cooked lobster meat at the end before baking.

Main course or appetizer?

Seafood can shine on a Thanksgiving menu as either appetizers or as a centerpiece main course. Some popular ways to serve it up:

As Appetizers

Assorted raw oysters or clams on the half shell
Oyster shooters – oysters with cocktail sauce and lemon
Crab cakes with remoulade or tartar sauce

Smoked salmon with traditional garnishes
Shrimp cocktail
Ceviche with seafood like shrimp, scallops or tilapia

As Main Dishes

Whole roasted fish like salmon, snapper, or cod
Cioppino or bouillabaisse stew
Jambalaya or gumbo with shrimp, crawfish and crab

Lobster, crab legs or crawfish boil
Scallops wrapped in bacon
Crab stuffed flounder or sole

Conclusion

While turkey may have top billing at most Thanksgiving feasts, seafood has staked its claim at the holiday table as well. Oysters, lobster, crab and other coastal delicacies have been part of Thanksgiving since the Pilgrims and continue to be menu favorites today in coastal regions and beyond. With so many delicious ways to enjoy shellfish, finfish and crustaceans, adding seafood to your Thanksgiving traditions can introduce new flavors and variety to the classic fall feast.