Steamed Seafood Medley with San Francisco Bay Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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A fragrant steamed seafood dish inspired by the fresh coastal herbs and waters of the San Francisco Bay region, combining delicate seafood with vibrant greens. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs shrimp, scallops, clams for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or wide saucepan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup water, 1/2 cup white wine, 3 fresh bay leaves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Step 3: Layer 12 small clams in the simmering liquid, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 5 minutes until clams start to open.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 large peeled shrimp, 8 large scallops, and 1 lemon sliced into thin rounds on top of the clams. Cover again and steam for another 4-5 minutes until shrimp are pink and scallops are opaque.
  5. Step 5: Carefully remove the lid, discard any unopened clams, and gently toss the seafood with the cooking liquid and herbs to coat. Serve immediately with crusty bread or steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Seafood Medley with San Francisco Bay Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Steamed Seafood Medley with San Francisco Bay Herbs?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Seafood Medley with San Francisco Bay Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Seafood Medley with San Francisco Bay Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Steamed Seafood Medley with San Francisco Bay Herbs?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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