I’ve always loved dining at Captain D’s for their fresh seafood and mouthwatering sides. There’s something special about their dishes that keeps me coming back for more. But what if you could recreate those flavors right in your own kitchen?
Ingredients
For the Fried Seafood
- 2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into portions
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
For the Sides
- Coleslaw:
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- French Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
- Tartar sauce
Tools and Equipment
To achieve that perfect Captain D’s flair in your kitchen, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what I use to ensure every element of the dish turns out just right:
Essential Tools
- Cast-Iron Skillet
Ideal for achieving a crispy, golden crust on your seafood and perfecting that garlic butter sauce.
- Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
Ensures consistent frying temperatures for perfectly crispy fries and fried shrimp or tilapia.
- Mixing Bowls
Necessary for preparing marinades, coatings, and side dishes like coleslaw.
- Tongs and Slotted Spoon
Essential for handling hot seafood and fries safely and effectively.
- Kitchen Thermometer
Guarantees your oil stays at the optimal temperature of 350°F for frying.
Additional Equipment
- Wire Rack
Allows excess oil to drain from fried items, keeping them crisp and reducing greasiness.
- Mandoline Slicer
Perfect for uniformly slicing vegetables for coleslaw or fries.
- Whisk
Helps in blending the garlic butter sauce smoothly without any lumps.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife
For precise and efficient preparation of all ingredients.
Optional but Helpful
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Blender | For creating a smooth garlic butter sauce |
| Food Processor | Makes quick work of shredding coleslaw |
| Paper Towels | Absorbs excess oil from fried foods |
Having these tools on hand not only makes the cooking process smoother but also helps in replicating the beloved Captain D’s flavors with ease. Equip your kitchen with these essentials, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering this copycat recipe.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a chef who loves perfecting flavors and techniques, I’ve found that prepping certain components in advance can make your Captain D’s copycat meal even more enjoyable. Here’s how to streamline your cooking process:
- Prepare the Seafood
- Clean and Portion: Clean the shrimp and tilapia, removing any shells or bones. Portion them into desired sizes.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Submerge the seafood and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This not only tenderizes the fish but also infuses it with flavor.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Store: Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
- Prepare the Coleslaw
- Slice Vegetables: Use a mandoline slicer to finely slice cabbage and carrots for a consistent texture.
- Mix Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Toss the sliced vegetables with the dressing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to allow flavors to meld.
- Cut and Par-Cook French Fries
- Slice Potatoes: Cut potatoes into even sticks using a mandoline slicer for uniform cooking.
- Blanch: Boil the potato sticks in salted water for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and let them cool completely.
- Store: Place the par-cooked fries in a freezer-safe bag and freeze until ready to fry. This step ensures they become perfectly crispy when cooked.
- Prepare the Breading Station
- Set Up Baskets: In separate containers, place seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Having your breading station ready allows for quick and efficient coating of the seafood when you’re ready to cook.
- Organize Your Tools and Equipment
- Check Essentials: Ensure your cast-iron skillet, deep fryer, mixing bowls, and kitchen thermometer are clean and ready to use.
- Pre-Measure Ingredients: Measure out all necessary ingredients and store them in labeled containers. This organization saves time and ensures you have everything you need at hand.
By taking these steps ahead of time, you can reduce your cooking time and enjoy a seamless and delicious Captain D’s-style meal with minimal last-minute stress.
Directions
Recreating Captain D’s delicious seafood feast at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to achieve that perfect taste and texture.
Prep
- Clean and Portion Seafood
- Rinse 1 pound of shrimp and 1 pound of tilapia fillets under cold water.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
- Cut tilapia into uniform pieces, about 4 ounces each.
- Marinate in Buttermilk
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Add shrimp and tilapia to the mixture, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavors.
- Prepare Breading Station
- In a shallow dish, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
- In another bowl, beat 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Set up a breading station with three separate bowls: one for flour mixture, one for egg wash, and one for breadcrumbs.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and season with salt to taste.
- Keep warm until ready to serve.
- Prepare Sides
- Coleslaw: Shred 4 cups of cabbage and 1 carrot. In a bowl, mix with 1 cup of coleslaw dressing. Refrigerate.
- French Fries: Cut 4 large potatoes into fries. Par-cook in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Cook
- Fry the Seafood
- Heat a deep fryer or large cast-iron skillet to 350°F (175°C) with enough oil for deep frying.
- Remove seafood from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, dip into the egg wash, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Carefully place shrimp and tilapia into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes for shrimp and 5-6 minutes for tilapia.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked seafood to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Cook French Fries
- In the same oil, fry the par-cooked fries until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt immediately.
- Warm the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Ensure the garlic butter sauce is warm and aromatic before serving.
Assemble
- Plate the Seafood
- Arrange the crispy shrimp and tilapia on a large serving platter.
- Add Sides
- Place a generous helping of coleslaw and a side of French fries beside the seafood.
- Drizzle with Garlic Butter Sauce
- Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the seafood for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the entire dish.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an added zing.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve perfected your Captain D’s copycat seafood feast, it’s time to present it in a way that enhances both the flavor and the dining experience. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this delicious meal:
Perfect Plating
- Arrange the Seafood: Place the crispy shrimp and tender tilapia in the center of each plate. Ensure they are evenly spaced for an appealing look.
- Add the Sides: Position a generous scoop of golden French fries and a serving of creamy coleslaw beside the seafood.
- Drizzle with Garlic Butter Sauce: Lightly drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the seafood and around the plate for added richness.
Garnishes and Finishing Touches
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish to introduce a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, tangy contrast to the savory flavors.
- Extra Crunch: Add a handful of crispy fried onions on top of the coleslaw for an extra layer of texture.
Beverage Pairings
Enhance your meal with the perfect drink to complement the flavors:
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Cold Beer | Its carbonation cuts through the richness of the fried seafood. |
| White Wine | A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the garlic butter sauce. |
| Iced Tea | Refreshing and versatile, it complements both the seafood and sides. |
Creating a Relaxed Dining Atmosphere
- Table Setting: Use casual, nautical-themed tableware to echo the Captain D’s vibe. Think blue and white plates with simple, elegant designs.
- Ambient Lighting: Soft lighting creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a hearty meal.
- Background Music: Play some light jazz or instrumental tunes to enhance the dining experience without overpowering conversation.
Family-Style Serving
For a more communal dining experience, consider serving the meal family-style:
- Large Platters: Transfer the fried seafood, French fries, and coleslaw to large serving platters placed in the center of the table.
- Shared Garlic Butter Sauce: Provide a bowl of garlic butter sauce for everyone to drizzle as desired.
- Interactive Elements: Let guests customize their plates with additional lemon wedges or extra herbs, adding a personal touch to each serving.
Leftover Ideas
If you have any leftovers, here are some tasty ways to repurpose them:
- Seafood Tacos: Use the leftover fried shrimp and tilapia in soft tortillas with fresh salsa and a squeeze of lime.
- Seafood Salad: Toss the remaining seafood with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
- Frittata: Incorporate the leftover shrimp and tilapia into a frittata with eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
Conclusion
Trying out Captain D’s copycat recipe was a rewarding adventure for me Bringing those restaurant flavors home made our meals special and memorable I loved seeing everyone enjoy the crispy seafood and tasty sides just like at the original spot Cooking together created a fun and delicious experience that I’ll definitely repeat If you give this recipe a try I hope it brings you as much joy and satisfaction as it did for me Happy cooking!
