As the sun sets, the day’s tasks fade away, and the thought of a tasty meal becomes exciting. For those who love seafood, this shrimp and scallop recipe is a quick fix for a weeknight or a relaxed weekend. In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy a taste of the coast, with flavors that are both light and fulfilling.

Key Takeaways

• This shrimp and scallop recipe can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick and delicious meal.
• The recipe combines juicy shrimp and tender scallops with vegetables like asparagus and mushrooms, creating a well-balanced and nutritious dish.
• The dish is perfect for seafood lovers and can be served with rice or pasta for a complete and satisfying dinner.
• The recipe utilizes simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• This seafood dish is a great option for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy, romantic evening at home.

The Perfect Combination of Shrimp and Scallops

Pairing shrimp and scallops in a dish is a match made in heaven. They complement each other’s flavors and cook at the same pace. This ensures a meal that’s perfectly cooked every time.

Types of Scallops to Use

For this shrimp and scallop pasta, use large sea scallops. They are plump, juicy, and have a sweet, briny taste. This flavor pairs well with the shrimp.

Selecting the Best Shrimp

Choose extra-large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. Their larger size means they cook as fast as the scallops. This prevents overcooking.

Fresh vs. Frozen Seafood Options

You can use either fresh or frozen seafood in this recipe. If using frozen, thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.

By picking the right sizes of scallops and shrimp, you create a dish with perfect balance. Your shrimp and scallop pasta will be truly remarkable.

Essential Ingredients for This Seafood Dish

To make a great shrimp scallop recipe, start with the best ingredients. You’ll need fresh shrimp and scallops. Also, get butter, mushrooms, shallots, and garlic from your pantry.

Add some lemon juice for a bright taste. Use seafood seasoning like Old Bay to spice up your dish.

For a nice touch, serve the seafood over angel hair pasta. Or, try roasted veggies like asparagus or peas for a balanced meal.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious shrimp scallop recipe. It’s sure to wow your guests.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make a tasty shrimp and scallop dish, you need the right tools and equipment. Having the right items makes cooking easier and more fun.

Recommended Cookware

A large skillet is key for this recipe. Choose one made of stainless steel or cast-iron. It’s perfect for cooking the seafood and veggies well.

You’ll also need a saucepan for cooking pasta or grains. If you’re baking, an oven-safe baking dish is a must.

Preparation Tools

• A sharp knife for cleaning seafood and cutting veggies
• Paper towels to dry the shrimp and scallops
• Measuring spoons and cups for accurate ingredient amounts
• A fish spatula or tongs for handling seafood gently
• A large spoon for stirring and serving
• A large plate lined with paper towels for draining seafood

With these kitchen tools and equipment, you’re set to make a top-notch shrimp and scallop dish at home.

Preparing Your Seafood for Cooking

Getting your seafood ready is key for a great sear and taste. Start by rinsing the scallops in cold water and drying them with paper towels. For shrimp, peel, devein, and clean them, making sure to remove any extra moisture. If you’re using frozen seafood, make sure it’s thawed out first.

To make your seafood taste better, dry them as much as you can. This helps them get a nice golden-brown color when cooked. Use paper towels to gently pat the seafood until they’re dry.

Now that your seafood is ready, you can start cooking your tasty shrimp and scallop dish.

The Ultimate Shrimp and Scallop Recipe

Take your seafood to the next level with this amazing shrimp and scallop recipe. The secret to perfect flavors is in the seasoning and cooking methods. Let’s explore how to make this dish a hit.

Seasoning Guidelines

Begin by seasoning your shrimp and scallops with a seafood blend. This adds a deep, savory taste that enhances their natural sweetness. Make sure to dry the seafood first for better searing.

Cooking Temperature Tips

Temperature is key when cooking shrimp and scallops. Use medium to high heat on the stovetop. For the oven, preheat to 450°F (230°C). Cook the shrimp until they’re pink and curled, and the scallops until golden with an opaque center. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

By following these tips, you’ll bring out the best in this seafood pair. Your dish will impress everyone. Get ready for a delicious shrimp and scallop experience!

Perfect Timing: How Long to Cook Shrimp and Scallops

Getting the right cooking time is key for tender and perfectly cooked shrimp and scallops. The cooking time can greatly affect the taste and texture of your dish. Let’s look at the best times for searing, baking, and ensuring your seafood is just right.

For stovetop searing, cook the shrimp and scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side in a hot skillet. This quick sear will give you a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside juicy. If baking, aim for 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven. Make sure the total cooking time doesn’t go over 5-6 minutes for stovetop methods to avoid overcooking.

How do you know when your seafood is done? Shrimp are ready when they turn a vibrant pink and curl into a C or U shape. Scallops should be golden brown on the outside with a slightly firm, opaque center.

Remember, the secret to perfectly cooked shrimp and scallops is to trust your senses and not overcook them. Keep a close eye on the seafood and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve that irresistible texture and flavor.

Creating the Perfect Sauce

Make your shrimp and scallop pasta dish even better with a tasty sauce. The secret is finding the right mix of lemon juice, butter, and garlic. By choosing the right wine and mastering the sauce-making, you’ll impress everyone with your dish.

Wine Selection Tips

Choose a buttery or oaky lemon juice with a hint of citrus. Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio are great picks. They match well with the rich taste of shrimp and scallops. Stay away from wines that are too acidic or dry, as they can overwhelm the seafood.

Butter and Garlic Base

Begin by melting a lot of butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and diced shallots once the butter is hot. Let the garlic sizzle and release its scent, then add your lemon juice. Let the wine simmer and reduce a bit, mixing well with the butter.

For a creamy touch, add half-and-half or heavy cream later. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice will add a nice tanginess. This balances the sauce’s richness.

The sauce should be smooth, fragrant, and perfect for your seafood. Pour it over your shrimp and scallops. This will make the flavors blend beautifully, creating a memorable meal.

Vegetable Pairings and Add-ins

Adding fresh vegetables to your shrimp and scallop dish can make it even better. Try pairing it with sautéed asparagus, tender mushrooms, and sweet peas. These add a nice contrast in texture and flavor.

Start by sautéing sliced mushrooms and diced onions until they’re soft. Then, add in crisp asparagus spears or fresh peas for a burst of color and taste. You can also use grilled or roasted red peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or juicy tomatoes. For a green touch, sauté spinach or Swiss chard to add more nutrients.

It’s important to pick vegetables that taste good with the seafood and balance the dish. By choosing and preparing your veggies well, you’ll make a shrimp and scallop primavera that looks great and tastes amazing.

Shrimp and Scallop Recipe

Recipe by Chef AmandaCourse: Lunch

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Ingredients

• Shrimp (1/2 pound, 51-60 count prawns)

• Scallops (1/2 pound, large sea scallops)

• Butter (2 tablespoons)

• Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced)

• Shallots (1, chopped)

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

• Lemon Juice (1 lemon)

• Seafood Seasoning (1 teaspoon, like Old Bay)

• Angel Hair Pasta (1/2 pound)

Directions

• Pat dry seafood, season with seafood seasoning
• Cook pasta per package directions
• Melt butter, sauté garlic and shallots
• Add wine, simmer to reduce
• Sear seafood 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp is pink and scallops golden
• Combine pasta, seafood, sauce; finish with lemon juice