Irish Seafood Bake with Oats and Herbs
A rustic and flavorful baked dish showcasing a variety of fresh Irish seafood, bound together with oats, cream, and a blend of fresh herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Mixed Irish seafood(e.g., cod, haddock, salmon, prawns, mussels (shelled))
- 100 g Rolled oats
- 200 ml Double cream
- 100 ml Milk
- 1 medium Leeks(thinly sliced)
- 4 stalks Spring onions(finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Fresh dill(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Fresh chives(chopped)
- 25 g Butter
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan/Gas Mark 5).
💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated before baking. - 2
If using mussels, steam them open in a separate pan with a splash of water or white wine until they just open. Discard any that remain closed. Reserve the liquor.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook gently until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 4
Stir in the rolled oats and cook for 1 minute until lightly toasted.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Pour in the double cream, milk, and reserved mussel liquor (if used). Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
💡 Tip: Don't boil vigorously, just a gentle simmer to thicken. - 6
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped spring onions, parsley, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before adding seafood. - 7
Gently fold in the mixed seafood (cod, haddock, salmon, prawns, and cooked mussels).
💡 Tip: Be careful not to break up the fish too much. - 8
Pour the mixture into a greased ovenproof baking dish.
💡 Tip: A shallow dish works best for even cooking. - 9
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the seafood is cooked through and bubbling.
⏱️ 30 minutes💡 Tip: The oats will form a slightly crisp crust. - 10
Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use the freshest possible seafood for the best flavor.
- ✓If you don't have mixed seafood, a single type of firm white fish like cod or haddock works well.
- ✓For a richer topping, you can add a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili for a little heat.
- Incorporate other vegetables like finely diced celery or peas.
- Use a mix of breadcrumbs and oats for a different texture on top.