Copy Cat Ocean Basket Shrimp Platter with Lemon Cream Sauce

If you grew up in Southern Africa, or simply love a good seafood platter, you’ll recognize the iconic Ocean Basket experience. The restaurant chain became known for its generous platters of seafood, crispy fries, flagrant rice and most importantly a creamy, indulgent, lemon-forward signature that feel both comforting and celebratory.

This recipe is inspired by that classic, reimagined for a spring-ready table. The lemon cream sauce brings brightness and balance, cutting through the richness with a fresh, zesty lift that pairs beautifully with seafood. It’s a perfect example of how African coastal flavors naturally blend with Mediterranean influences (think citrus, butter, gentle spice, and herbs) creating something vibrant yet familiar. You may also see this combination with Mozambiquean peri-peri prawns.

Beyond flavor, the shrimp is a nutritional powerhouse: high in protein, low in calories, and rich in vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine. Paired with a citrus-forward cream sauce, it becomes a dish that feels indulgent without being heavy, ideal for warmer days and effortless entertaining.

Serve it simply with fries, rice, a crisp salad, or warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

For a wine pairing, serve with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, crisp Chardonnay, or light rosé complements the lemon and enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Best of all, this dish comes together quickly, making it just as suited for a relaxed weekend lunch as it is for a quick but impressive spring lunch or dinner.

shrimp, ocean basket, seafood, easy recipes, lemon cream sauce

Yield: 2-4

Author: Dontmissmyplate

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Copycat Ocean Basket Shrimp Platter with Lemon Cream Sauce

A simple, flavorful take on the iconic Ocean Basket shrimp platter. Juicy shrimp in a bright lemon cream sauce—easy enough for weeknights, but layered with flavor for something special.

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 25 Min

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Ingredients

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, tail-on and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or peri-peri seasoning
• 2 tsp lemon juice (divided)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp oregano
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the lemon cream sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp flour
• 1/4 tsp turmeric (for color)
• 1 tsp Robertson’s Spice for Rice
• 1 tsp Aromat all-purpose seasoning
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make the lemon cream sauce: On low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until fully dissolved. Do not overheat, or the milk solids may separate.
3. Turn off the heat, then add the lemon juice and zest, followed by the mustard, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
4. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry. Peel the shells, keeping the tails on by pinching the tail and gently removing the outer shell. (Reserve shells for seafood stock, if desired.)
5. Butterfly the shrimp: Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, carefully make an incision along the back of each shrimp. Do not cut all the way through. Gently open and flatten with your fingers to create a butterfly shape.
6. Season the shrimp: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and Old Bay (or peri-peri). Brush the mixture evenly over the open side of the shrimp.
7. Bake: Arrange shrimp flat-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Serve: Arrange the shrimp on a plate or tray with your chosen sides (like rice or fries). Drizzle with lemon cream sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

• For deeper flavor, use the full spice blend listed above. You can keep it simple or build layers, it’s up to you.
• For the authentic Ocean Basket experience, serve shrimp over fries and drizzle sauce just before serving.
• Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
• Can be doubled for a crowd or adapted with other seafood like calamari, mussels, or fish.
• Optional: add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

320

Fat (grams)

22 g

Carbs (grams)

9 g

Protein (grams)

25 g

I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.

www.dontmissmyplate.com/how-to-cook/2026/4/7/copy-cat-ocean-basket-shrimp-platter-with-lemon-cream-sauce

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