At Faber, we believe in creating extraordinary dining experiences, even when it comes to celebrating cherished traditions. Christmas is no exception. While turkey and trimmings hold a special place on festive menus, embracing alternative dishes can elevate your holiday feast with bold flavours and elegant flair. This year, why not surprise your guests with these five exquisite seafood-inspired recipes that are as celebratory as they are delicious?
Add luxury to your Christmas table with a rich and decadent lobster gravy. Perfect for pouring over fish, roasted vegetables, or even a seafood stuffing, this recipe brings a new level of indulgence to your festive spread.
• Lobster shells (from cooked lobsters)
• Shallots, finely chopped
• Garlic, crushed
• Tomato paste
• Fish stock
• Double cream
• Dry white wine
Start by sautéing shallots and garlic in butter until softened. Add tomato paste and lobster shells, then deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine. Pour in fish stock and simmer until the flavours meld beautifully. Strain the mixture and stir in double cream for a velvety finish. The result? A rich, flavour-packed gravy that’s sure to wow your guests.
For an alternative Christmas centrepiece, monkfish offers the perfect blend of firm texture and delicate flavour. Wrapping it in pancetta adds a savoury, crisp finish that’s simply irresistible.
• Monkfish fillets
• Pancetta slices
• Fresh rosemary
• Olive oil
Wrap the monkfish fillets tightly in pancetta slices, tucking in sprigs of rosemary for a fragrant touch. Drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes, or until the pancetta is crisp and the fish is cooked through. Serve with roasted winter vegetables for a stunning festive dish.
This sustainable trout, raised in Hampshire’s pristine ChalkStream rivers, is perfect for a lighter yet equally satisfying Christmas meal. Lemon and dill enhance the natural flavours of the fish beautifully.
• ChalkStream trout fillets
• Fresh dill
• Lemons, sliced
• Olive oil
• Sea salt and black pepper
Lay the trout fillets on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with sea salt and pepper. Top with generous sprigs of dill and slices of lemon. Bake at 180°C for 12–15 minutes until the fish flakes easily. Pair with buttery new potatoes and a crisp winter salad for a refreshing festive main.
This rich and savoury tart is a delightful addition to your Christmas menu, ideal for starters or as part of a seafood-themed spread. The creamy filling and smoky haddock make for a comforting festive treat.
• Smoked haddock, poached and flaked
• Leeks, thinly sliced
• Double cream
• Eggs
• Ready-made shortcrust pastry
Blind bake the pastry in a tart tin until lightly golden. Sauté the leeks in butter until soft, then mix them with flaked haddock, cream, and beaten eggs. Pour the mixture into the pastry case and bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes until set and golden on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Sweet, spicy, and full of festive cheer, this maple-glazed trout recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The warming spices give the dish a seasonal twist, while the trout provides a light and flaky texture.
• Trout fillets
• Maple syrup
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Orange zest
• Fresh thyme
Mix maple syrup with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest. Brush this mixture over the trout fillets and bake at 190°C for 12–15 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve with spiced red cabbage or glazed carrots for a truly festive plate.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand festive feast, these alternative recipes are sure to bring excitement and elegance to your table. At Faber, we love exploring the extraordinary, and these dishes reflect that passion for creative and refined dining.
Dine with us at Faber
Faber Restaurant Hammersmith serves high-quality fish and seafood, caught and cooked daily. Book a table today using the button below, or give us a call on 0208 161 9800 if you have any special requirements.