Happy November, Seafoodies!
This month always signals a special combination of autumn’s abundance mixed with holiday anticipation—creating the ideal excuse to gather around the table for meals filled with comfort and gratitude. We always find that our calendars seem to fill up with casual weekend gatherings, crazy workdays and beginning prep for the big Thanksgiving feast (sound familiar?). It only makes sense that our November meal plan contains seafood recipes that work for all these occasions and every delectable moment in between!
The following dishes bring all the cozy, comforting vibes of fall front and center, without requiring too much time to prep—minimizing your time in the kitchen and maximizing the moment instead. They’re rich enough to feel satisfying but light enough to keep everybody energized and awake, even as the days slowly get shorter and that post-dinner darkness starts to set in.
This season’s produce also plays beautifully with seafood in delicious ways! The natural sweetness of acorn squash enhances delicate crab meat in our Gluten-Free Acorn Squash and Crab and earthy potatoes provide a hearty base for a wholesome Smoked Salmon Hash. Even pumpkin—yes, pumpkin!-–transforms into a creamy, savory component in a Seafood Chowder that’ll make your mouth water. We promise these aren’t just random pairings—there’s a powerful synergy happening when the nutrients in fall vegetables meet the omega-3s, protein and other nutrients in seafood.
And here’s why! As temperatures drop and cold season arrives, seafood’s immune-supporting nutrients like selenium, zinc and vitamin D become especially crucial. Paired with vitamin C-rich fall vegetables, you’re creating meals that you’ll actually enjoy eating—and at the same time supporting your body as winter approaches.
Beyond the timely produce, the familiar flavor of maple syrup creates stunning glazes that caramelize beautifully in recipes like our Air Fryer Maple-Glazed Salmon with Brussels Sprouts or Easy Maple Soy Shrimp With Garlicky Spinach. Turns out—just a touch of sweetness is all you need to create complexity without overwhelming the seafood’s natural flavor. Who would have thought? (Spoiler: we knew it all along!)
Now, when it comes to meal prepping, we love the idea of foraging this time of year—wandering through a roadside farm stand, selecting the perfect apple or pumpkin or exploring the last farmers market of the season with a wicker basket in hand. But real life doesn’t always cooperate with our autumn plans! If you can’t make it to the countryside for that authentic farm experience, we fully support grabbing a seasonal coffee (cozy maple latte, anyone?) to get in the fall spirit as you “forage” the aisles of your local grocery store instead. And it should be a fairly stress-free trip, since most of these recipes contain 10 ingredients or fewer—you know we love to keep things simple, Seafoodies! Either way, these meals will bring all those classic flavors to your table, no matter where you sourced your ingredients.
So make your shopping list and get ready to fill November with seafood dishes that taste like the season should.
Embrace the cozy!!
Breakfast
Cheesy Shrimp Breakfast Casserole
Layer sautéed kale, onions, mushrooms and peppers in a pan, then pour over seasoned eggs and top with shrimp and reduced-fat Swiss cheese for a colorful, comforting dish. Prep it the night before and simply bake in the morning for an effortless, wholesome meal.
Everything Salmon & Egg Breakfast Hand Pies
Hand pies are an exemplary grab-and-go comfort food option for crisp days—warm, hearty and ready in no time. Wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, this satisfying mix of salmon, eggs, cheddar with a hint of chives and Everything seasoning is a seasonal breakfast or brunch treat.
Cast-Iron Smoked Salmon Hash
Weekend plans? How about smoky salmon, crispy potatoes and a zesty yogurt-lemon dressing that comes together in 35 minutes—comfort food with a gourmet upgrade!
Appetizers
Pumpkin Mussels
Step aside, pumpkin pie! This seasonal showstopper stars fresh mussels, pumpkin and even a touch of pumpkin beer—one pot, big flavor, zero fuss.
Air Fryer Tempura Shrimp
Bite-sized, crunchy and impossible to resist—these air-fried shrimp are a healthier take on traditional tempura and the easiest way to make seafood disappear.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Seafood lovers, get ready to swoon! Tender scallops are marinated, wrapped in smoky bacon and baked to perfection, creating an irresistible sweet-and-salty app that’s sure to impress any crowd.
Lunch
Gluten-Free Acorn Squash and Crab
We’re not kidding—this acorn squash stuffed with crab, cheese and crunchy panko is basically fall on a plate! The squash’s natural sweetness pairs perfectly with delicate seafood, while Old Bay and aromatic seasonings take every bite to the next level.
Instant Pot Lobster Bisque
Craving indulgence? Lobster bisque goes from zero to wow in minutes with the Instant Pot—sumptuous and creamy without added prep hassle.
Cheesy Butternut Squash Rice with Shrimp
One pot, endless comfort. Cheesy butternut squash rice and tender shrimp make an exquisite pairing, requiring minimal cleanup—which means more time to relax and settle into the season.
Easy Maple Soy Shrimp With Garlicky Spinach
Sweet, salty and sizzling in seconds, maple-soy shrimp bring big flavor to the table, finished off with a generous side of garlicky greens—a crave-worthy combo you’ll want on repeat!
Pumpkin Seafood Chowder
Soup season, upgraded. Pumpkin and seafood come together in a cozy chowder that’s rich, hearty and 100% slurp-worthy.
Dinner
Pumpkin Risotto with Seared Scallops
Risotto might sound indulgent, but it’s actually quite simple—and downright irresistible when finished with buttery scallops, candied pancetta and the ultimate seasonal flavor… pumpkin!!
Crab & Sweet Potato Cauliflower Gnocchi
Here’s proof that comfort food can still feel light. A few smart swaps—sweet potato, cauliflower gnocchi and tender crab—turn this into a wholesome meal that’s ready faster than you can set the table.
Roasted Winter Squash With Seared Cod
Fall flavors shine with hearty slices of roasted winter squash and seared cod—an elegant, anytime plate that’s still quick enough for crazy weeknights.
