If you’re craving a comforting seafood meal reminiscent of South Africa’s famous Ocean Basket, this garlic butter Pollock and shrimp recipe comes pretty close. For those in the U.S., think of it like a casual seafood spot in the vein of Red Lobster or Captain D’s, where comforting fish, prawns (shrimp), and calamari dishes are the star of the show.
While i was having a terible week battling a nasty flu, Louis stepped in to keep our date-night tradition alive. He made sure that i could just relax as he took control of the night. Planning what to cook all the way up to making a mess in the kitchen 😜 The result? A quick, flavorful platter featuring tender fish, succulent prawns (shrimp), crispy calamari rings, and air-fried fries—known fondly to us as Pommes. Whether you’re in Germany, the U.S., South Africa, or anywhere else, this easy dinner brings a taste of coastal dining right to your kitchen.
What You’ll Need to Make Garlic Butter Pollock and Shrimp
- Pollock fillets (2–4 fillets, thawed if frozen)
- Shrimp (prawns) – about 1 cup, de-shelled and deveined
- Calamari rings – 1,5 cup (optional, but adds variety)
- Garlic and herb butter – 3–4 tablespoons
- Oil – (for frying calamari)
- Fries (Pommes) – enough for 2 people (frozen or fresh)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- (Optional) Lemon wedges or tartar sauce for serving
Tip: If Pollock isn’t available, cod or tilapia work well. And if you’re in the U.S., shrimp is simply another word for what many places call prawns.
Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total: ~25 minutes
This also depends on how quickly your fries or Pommes cook in the air fryer (or oven).
How to Make Garlic Butter Pollock and Shrimp in 5 Simple Steps
- Prep the Fries
- Preheat your air fryer (or oven) to around 400°F (200°C).
- Spread out your fries in the fryer basket (or on a baking sheet if using an oven).
- Cook according to package instructions (usually 15–20 minutes), flipping or shaking halfway.
- Season the Seafood
- Rinse and pat dry your Pollock fillets, shrimp, and calamari rings.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pan-Fry the Pollock and Shrimp
- Melt the garlic and herb butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the Pollock fillets in the pan and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily.
- When the fish is nearly done, add the shrimp to the same pan and stir-fry until they turn pink and opaque, roughly 3–5 minutes.
- Cook the Calamari Rings Separately
- In another skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the calamari rings for about 3–4 minutes until golden. Avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture.
- Assemble and Serve
- By now, your fries (Pommes) should be crispy.
- Plate your garlic butter Pollock and shrimp, add the calamari rings, and finish with the fries on the side.
- For extra flavor, drizzle any remaining garlic-butter sauce from the pan on top of the seafood.
Best tools to use
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Choose Your Favorite White Fish
Pollock is a budget-friendly, mild white fish commonly found in many regions. Cod or haddock are good substitutes if you prefer a different texture. - Add Spice
If you enjoy a kick, sprinkle some Cajun or paprika seasoning over the fish or fries for a Southern U.S. twist. - Serving Sauces
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice ties everything together. Alternatively, pair with tartar sauce or a simple garlic aioli. - Pommes vs. Fries
While we sometimes call them Pommes (a popular term in Germany), any type of fry—steak cut, waffle cut, or shoestring—will work just fine.
Serving Suggestions
For an even more complete date night meal, try pairing your garlic butter Pollock and shrimp with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a non-alcoholic citrus spritzer can round out the meal nicely.
Enjoy your Ocean Basket–inspired date night! Even if one person is out of commission with a cold or flu, a simple, flavorful recipe like this is a reminder that great meals can happen with just a bit of effort and a whole lot of heart. Here’s hoping this garlic butter Pollock and shrimp feast brings you the same cozy, feel-good vibes it brought us—no restaurant reservation required.
Here are more of our favorite dishes for you to try out
- How to Make Red Curry Coconut Ramen in Just 20min – Spicy, creamy, and oh-so-easy.
- Espetada Drenched in Garlic Butter – Our OG version that started it all.
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And if you are in the mood to learn German, take look at a new website we started… its still a work in progress 😜 i made some simple games that teaches you German…
