How to Serve Seafood for Game Days

Q: Can I prepare seafood dishes ahead of time for a tailgate?

Yes! Many seafood recipes, such as crab cakes, dips, or smoked salmon spreads, can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook or serve them.

Q: How do I keep seafood fresh when bringing it to a tailgate?

Use a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice packs to keep seafood at a safe temperature. Transport dips or cooked items in airtight containers and heat or chill them once you arrive.

Q: Can I grill seafood at a tailgate?

Absolutely. Grilled shrimp skewers are great on a portable grill and add a smoky flavor that’s perfect for game day.

Q: What’s the best way to serve hot seafood appetizers at a tailgate or watch party?

For tailgates, use a portable grill, small propane burner, or even an electric skillet (if available outlets) to keep dishes like crab dip or shrimp baskets hot. For watch parties at home, bake or fry appetizers just before guests arrive and keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature until serving.

Football season is here, and weekends are packed with tailgates, game day gatherings, and plenty of great food. At Alaskan King Crab Co., seafood makes an unforgettable tailgating snack because it is fresh, flavorful, and a change from the usual game day spread. Whether attending a tailgate or hosting a watch party on the couch, our seafood is ready to be enjoyed.

Here are our top game day picks!

Fried Shrimp Basket

A fried shrimp basket is the ultimate game-day upgrade for anyone who loves fresh, crispy bites. Swap buffalo chicken nuggets with fried shrimp. To make it, start by peeling and deveining your shrimp. Prepare a batter by mixing all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, a combination of seasonings, and an egg wash. Dip the shrimp in the batter, then fry in hot oil until golden and crunchy. Let them rest on paper towels before serving. Enjoy immediately, perfect for snacking and sharing!

Learn the recipe here.

Red King Crab Cake Sliders

King crab cake sliders offer a tasty twist on the traditional beef slider, perfect for game day. First, gather King Crab legs, your preferred seasonings, and tartar sauce. Prepare crab cakes, then shape them into small patties. You can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze them in a single layer for longer storage. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, cook as directed, and assemble into sliders with tartar sauce. These sliders are easy to prepare and delicious for your tailgate.

Learn the recipe here.

Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) Nachos

Try Ahi Tuna Poké Nachos featuring fresh Ahi Tuna for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack. Layer crispy wonton chips with diced Ahi, your favorite toppings, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or soy glaze for a flavor-packed bite. It’s fast, fresh, and guaranteed to be a hit with seafood fans on game day.

Learn the recipe here.

Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked salmon dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day snacking. Start with rich, smoky salmon and blend it with cream cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon juice. Serve it chilled with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crisp veggies for dipping. The best part is that you can make it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator, stir well, and it’s ready to serve.

Learn the recipe here.

Red King Crab Rangoon Dip

Crab dip is the ultimate shareable dish to bring to your next tailgate or watch party. Combine sweet King Crab meat with cream cheese, mayo, a touch of Old Bay, and plenty of melty cheese. Bake until golden and bubbling, then serve hot with chips, bread, or pretzels. Prep it in advance to make game day even easier. Store unbaked dip in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake until hot and bubbly.

Learn the recipe here.

This football season, skip the ordinary and bring seafood to the table. From crispy shrimp baskets to creamy dips and fresh takes on classic snacks, Alaskan King Crab Co. has everything you need to make game day unforgettable. No matter where you are watching, at the stadium or at home, our seafood is the winning play every time.