If you’re anything like me, you love a spot that serves the food the locals eat. On this episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Guy Fieri introduces us to a local secret in Harahan, just 20 minutes from downtown New Orleans. At first glance, this restaurant might be mistaken for just another shrimp and po’ boy joint. However, Guy assures us that Syer Seafood is not a place to judge by its cover.
Syer Seafood, a local favorite renowned for traditional New Orleans-style dishes with a twist, is the brainchild of Jason Syer. Jason, a native who grew up boiling crawfish with his dad and cooking with his mom, brings his bayou upbringing to every dish. His respect for old-school ingredients is evident, yet he infuses his style into every creation.
In this episode, Guy gets up close to Jason’s now-famous Seafood Volcano. Regulars of Syer Seafood rave about it, describing it as a lot of familiar flavors presented in an entirely new fashion.
The Seafood Volcano begins with a house-made blackening seasoning, a blend of paprika, pepper, sea salt, parsley flakes, onion, garlic, and Italian herbs. The main star is fresh Ahi tuna, which Jason insists on serving only if it’s freshly available – a testament to his commitment to quality.
Jason adds a kick with his ‘Dragon sauce’ – a simple but fiery combination of mayo and Sriracha thinned with water for the perfect drizzling consistency. He then creates a crab salad using shredded imitation crab typically found in sushi rolls, giving it a unique spin.
With the ingredients ready, Jason builds the Volcano. It starts with a base of perfectly seared tuna, followed by avocados and lettuce. He adds a crown of shrimp, drizzles of spicy mayo and eel sauce, then tops it all with an inverted taco shell piled high with snow crab salad. The finishing touches include more spicy mayo, eel sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
The result? A visually stunning Seafood Volcano that quite literally erupts with flavor. Guy dives in, constructing the ideal bite-sized “nacho” and is immediately impressed by the freshness of the tuna, describing it as “legit.”
Despite not being a “huge sauce guy,” Fieri declares the Seafood Volcano a showstopper; an awesome salad that’s as delicious as it is visually arresting. It’s clear that Jason’s creativity and respect for fresh ingredients have combined to create something special for both the taste buds and the eyes.