Seafood Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

seafood shepherd’s pie recipe is the perfect comfort food. I took the classic hearty dish and gave it a coastal upgrade, swapping out the traditional meat for a rich mix of shrimp, scallops, and flaky white fish.

It’s all baked under a creamy mashed potato topping that turns golden and crisp in the oven. This recipe brings together the warmth of home-cooked meals and the fresh flavors of the sea you can serve to guests.

How To Make Seafood Shepherd’s Pie Recipe?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 servings

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot
• Potato masher or hand mixer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Oven mitts

Ingredients:

For the mashed potato topping:

• 2 lbs (about 4 cups) Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup whole milk (warm)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the seafood filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup celery, finely diced
• 1 cup carrots, finely diced
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
• ½ tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
• ½ tsp paprika (optional for depth)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup seafood stock or low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ lb scallops (small or chopped)
• ½ lb white fish fillets (like cod or haddock), cut into chunks
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   Peel and cube the potatoes. Add them to a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots for about 5–7 minutes, until softened.
4. Build the Base:
   Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir for a minute. Slowly pour in the seafood stock and stir until smooth and thickened. Add the cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add the Seafood:
   Gently fold in the shrimp, scallops, and fish. Cook just until the seafood starts to turn opaque—about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Remove from heat.
6. Assemble the Pie:
   Pour the seafood mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula. Use a fork to create a textured surface (for crispier peaks).
7. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
8. Cool and Serve:
   Let the pie sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if you like.

Let me know if you want to turn this into a make-ahead freezer meal—I can help with those tips too!

Serving Suggestions For Seafood Shepherd’s Pie Recipe:

I love pairing this seafood shepherd’s pie recipe with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to keep things fresh and light. Steamed or roasted asparagus or green beans also make a great side—they add a nice crunch and bright flavor.

For a heartier meal, you could serve it with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up any delicious sauce left on the plate. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the seafood flavors beautifully.

Special Tips and Variations For Seafood Shepherd’s Pie Recipe:

• Use Day-Old Mashed Potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes, they work perfectly for the topping—just add a splash of milk to loosen them up before spreading.
• Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Add the seafood last and cook it gently to keep it tender and juicy. Overcooking can make it rubbery.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the filling.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or any plant-based cream instead of heavy cream, and substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread.
• Add Cheese: Stir in some grated cheddar or Parmesan into the mashed potatoes for an extra cheesy crust.
• Mix Up the Seafood: Try swapping scallops for crab meat or add smoked salmon for a smoky twist.
• Herbs: Fresh dill or tarragon also pairs wonderfully with seafood if you want to mix up the flavors.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes separately, then assemble and bake just before serving. You can also freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months.

Want me to help you customize the recipe for picky eaters or special diets?

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (approximate):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: Thirty grams (30g)
• Carbohydrates: Thirty-five grams (35g)
• Fat: Fifteen grams (15g)
• Saturated Fat: Eight grams (8g)
• Cholesterol: 120 mg
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fiber: Four grams (4g)
• Sugar: Four grams (4g)

Nutrition can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, but this gives you a solid estimate. Want a detailed breakdown with a specific ingredient brand or serving size?

How to Store Seafood Shepherd’s Pie Recipe:

• Refrigerator: Let the pie cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled pie (before baking) wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 40–45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Avoid freezing leftovers after baking, as the seafood texture can suffer. Let me know if you want tips on reheating without drying it out!

Conclusion

Seafood shepherd’s pie recipe is my go-to comfort dish when I want something hearty yet fresh and flavorful. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the best of the sea wrapped in the cozy warmth of creamy mashed potatoes.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe always feels like a special treat without being complicated. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

FAQs For Seafood Shepherd’s Pie Recipe