Seafood Fra Diavolo

Seafood Fra Diavolo is a classic Italian-American dish known for its bold flavors and hearty seafood medley. This recipe combines tender little neck clams, succulent oysters, shrimp, scallops, and lobster tails simmered in a spicy tomato sauce infused with garlic, shallots, crushed red pepper, and aromatic herbs. The dish is finished with a splash of dry white wine, which adds depth to the sauce as it simmers to perfection.

Served over al dente linguini, this Seafood Fra Diavolo is a delightful indulgence that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for a special dinner or any occasion calling for a taste of the sea.

Seafood Fra Diavolo

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons of grapeseed oil

12 little neck clams

12 oysters

1 pound of 10/12 count shrimp peeled and deveined

4 large lobster tails

1 pound of sea scallops

1 cup of dry white wine

1 pound of linguini

1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes

5 gloves of garlic minced

2 shallots minced

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon chopped basil

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

On your Wolf Induction Cooktop or Range, place a large pot of water and bring to a boil.

Season the water with salt.

Step 2:

While the pot is coming to a boil, place a large pan on your range top and heat over medium high heat.

Season your scallops and shrimp with salt and pepper.

Add 3 tablespoons of oil to the pan and then sear your scallops and shrimp on each side for 2-3 minutes.

Remove the scallops and shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3:

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and begin sautéing the garlic and shallots until fragrant and slightly translucent.

Then add the crushed red peppers and wine, while scrapping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to remove the fond (tasty bits) from the bottom of the pan.

Let simmer until reduced by half, and then add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.

Continue to simmer while you cook your pasta.

Step 4:

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente.

Add the oysters, clams, and lobster tails to the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until all the clams have opened.

Add the scallops, shrimp, and pasta to the sauce, stir to combine, and garnish with the chopped basil and parsley.

Notes:

Preparation:

Gather all ingredients and ensure seafood is cleaned and prepared (shrimp peeled and deveined, scallops patted dry, clams and oysters cleaned).

Cooking Setup:

Use a large pot for boiling pasta and a separate large pan for sautéing seafood and making the sauce. This helps manage cooking times and ensures each component is prepared properly.

Searing Seafood:

Sear scallops and shrimp in hot oil until golden and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds flavor and texture to the seafood before adding it to the sauce later.

Building Flavor:

Sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant before adding crushed red pepper and white wine. Deglaze the pan to incorporate the fond (browned bits) for added depth of flavor.

Simmering the Sauce:

Simmer the wine and tomato mixture until it reduces by half, then add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. This creates a rich and robust sauce base for the seafood.

Cooking Pasta:

Cook linguini in salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Al dente pasta holds its shape better when combined with the sauce and seafood.

Adding Seafood:

Introduce clams, oysters, and lobster tails to the simmering sauce, covering to steam until all clams have opened (discard any that do not open). This ensures all seafood is cooked through and flavorful.

Combining and Serving:

Gently fold in seared scallops, shrimp, and cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley for added freshness and color before serving.

Adjusting Seasoning:

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving to ensure balanced flavors.

Presentation:

Serve Seafood Fra Diavolo hot, garnished with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is best enjoyed immediately to savor the delicate flavors of the seafood and aromatic sauce.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Seafood Fra Diavolo?

Seafood Fra Diavolo is an Italian-American dish featuring a spicy tomato-based sauce with a variety of shellfish and seafood, typically served over pasta.

Can I use different types of seafood?

Yes, you can customize the seafood based on availability and preference.

Consider using mussels, calamari, or even chunks of firm fish like halibut or cod.

How spicy is this dish with crushed red pepper?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the amount of crushed red pepper used.

Start with the recipe amount and adjust to taste.

Do I need to cook the seafood separately?

Yes, searing the scallops and shrimp separately helps develop flavor and ensures they are cooked properly before adding to the sauce.

How long should I simmer the sauce with the seafood?

Simmer the sauce with the oysters, clams, and lobster tails for about 10 minutes or until the clams have opened.

This ensures all seafood is cooked through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare components like the sauce and cook the pasta ahead.

Combine everything just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

What wine pairs well with Seafood Fra Diavolo?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the seafood and enhances the flavors of the dish.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

Pasta is al dente when it is tender but still slightly firm to the bite.

Follow the package instructions and taste test a few minutes before the suggested cooking time.

Can I omit the wine from the recipe?

Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with seafood or chicken broth.

The wine adds depth to the sauce, but the dish will still be flavorful without it.

What are some recommended garnishes for Seafood Fra Diavolo?

Garnish with chopped fresh basil, parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Additional options include grated Parmesan cheese, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.