Mouthwatering Shrimp Scallop Recipe: Zesty Lemon Garlic Skewers

Introduction

A Flavorful Seafood Delight for Any Occasion

Looking for a dish that combines simplicity with gourmet flavors? Our Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Scallop Skewers are the perfect shrimp scallop recipe to impress at your next gathering or to elevate a weeknight dinner. Tender Shrimp and succulent scallops are marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce and then grilled to perfection. The shrimp scallop recipe brings the freshness of the sea and the zing of citrus right to your plate.

Why This Lemon Garlic Skewer Recipe Stands Out

What sets this shrimp scallop recipe apart is its flavorful fusion and simplicity of preparation because of the marinade, the inherent sweetness of the seafood without overpowering it. Grilling the skewers adds a subtle smoky undertone that complements the bright lemon and robust garlic. Whether you’re a seafood lover or new to cooking shellfish, the shrimp scallop recipe is approachable yet impressive.

Ingredients for Your Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Scallop Skewers

Fresh Seafood Selection – Shrimp and Scallops

The foundation of this shrimp scallop recipe is high-quality seafood. Choosing fresh ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture.

Shrimp: Select large, raw Shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Fresh Shrimp should have a mild scent and firm texture.
Scallops: Opt for sea scallops that are uniform in color and slightly translucent. They should feel dry to the touch, not slimy.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Marinade Components

This marinade infuses the Shrimp and scallops with vibrant flavors.

Lemon Juice and Zest: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor.
Garlic: Minced cloves add depth and aroma.
Olive Oil: Helps the marinade adhere to the seafood and prevents sticking.
Honey: To counterbalance the acidity, add a little sweetness.
Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro for an herbal note.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors.
Optional Spices: Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Skewers and Essential Tools You’ll Need

Gather these tools to make the preparation seamless:

Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for half an hour if you plan to use them. To prevent burning.
Mixing Bowls: For marinating the seafood.
Whisk: To blend the marinade ingredients thoroughly.
Grill or Grill Pan: Suitable for cooking the skewers.
Tongs: For turning the skewers safely.
Basting Brush: To apply extra marinade during grilling.

By following this guide, you’re well on your way to creating a memorable meal with this delightful shrimp scallop recipe. The combination of fresh seafood and a tangy marinade makes for a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Shrimp Scallop Recipe

Preparing the Seafood: Do Scallops and Shrimp Cook at the Same Rate?

To begin this delightful shrimp scallop recipe, proper preparation of your seafood is essential. Shrimp and scallops have different sizes and textures, which means they don’t cook at the same rate. Shrimp typically cook faster than scallops due to their smaller size.

Shrimp Preparation: Rinse the Shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove shells if necessary, leaving the tails on for presentation if you like.
Scallop Preparation: Gently rinse the scallops and pat them dry. Check for the small side muscle on each scallop—if present, peel it off as it can be tough when cooked.

By acknowledging their different cooking times, you can ensure both Shrimp and scallops reach perfect doneness in this lemon garlic skewer recipe.

Marinating Tips: Why Soak Scallops in Milk Before Cooking?

Marinating is a crucial step that infuses your seafood with flavor. Soaking scallops in milk before cooking is an age-old trick that enhances their texture and taste.

Why Soak in Milk? Soaking scallops in milk for about 20 minutes can tenderize them and remove any residual sand or odor. This results in a sweeter, cleaner flavor.
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Seafood: Place the Shrimp and scallops in the marinade, ensuring they’re well-coated. For at least half an hour, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.

This marinating process elevates the shrimp scallop recipe by adding depth and zest.

Assembling Your Skewers for Even Cooking

Proper assembly ensures your seafood cooks evenly and presents beautifully.

Alternate Pieces: Thread shrimp and scallops onto the skewers alternately. This not only looks appealing but also distributes the different sizes for balanced cooking.
Leave Space: Leave a small gap between each piece to allow heat to circulate.
Add Veggies (Optional): For extra flavor and color, interleave cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini slices between the seafood.

Careful assembly contributes to the success of your lemon garlic shrimp and scallop skewers.

Grilling Techniques for Juicy Shrimp and Scallops

Grilling brings out the smoky flavors that complement the citrusy marinade.

Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Oil the Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Place Skewers on Grill: Lay the skewers on the grill carefully.
Cooking Time: Grill for 2-3 minutes per side for Shrimp and 3-4 minutes per side for scallops.
Baste if Desired: Use a clean brush to baste the skewers with leftover marinade during grilling for extra moisture and flavor.

These grilling techniques ensure your shrimp scallop recipe turns out succulent and flavorful.

Checking for Doneness Without Overcooking

Seafood can become tough if overcooked, so it’s important to know when it’s done.

Shrimp Indicators: Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and form a “C” shape.
Scallop Indicators: Scallops should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
Avoid Overcooking: Remove skewers from the grill as soon as the seafood is done to prevent dryness.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the skewers to rest for a couple of minutes to let the juices redistribute.

By attentively checking for doneness, you’ll achieve tender, juicy results in this lemon garlic shrimp and scallop skewers recipe.

With these step-by-step instructions, you’re well on your way to creating a memorable meal. This shrimp scallop recipe combines the freshness of seafood with the vibrant flavors of lemon and garlic, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Tips for Success with Your Lemon Garlic Skewers

Can You Eat Raw Shrimp and Scallops? Seafood Safety Explained

When preparing this delightful shrimp scallop recipe, it’s important to consider seafood safety. Shrimp and scallops should be cooked thoroughly to enhance their flavor and ensure they’re safe to eat. Consuming raw or undercooked seafood can pose risks, so cooking them properly is key.

Cook Thoroughly: Grill the Shrimp and scallops until they are opaque and firm.
Freshness Matters: Use fresh, high-quality seafood to achieve the best results.
Proper Storage: Keep the seafood refrigerated until you’re ready to marinate and cook.

By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy a delicious and safe meal every time.

Achieving the Perfect Grill Marks

Grill marks not only look appealing but also add a subtle smoky flavor to your skewers. Here’s how to achieve them:

Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before placing the skewers on it.
Oil the Grates: Lightly oiling the grill grates prevents sticking and promotes even searing. For more grilling tips, check out these grilling techniques.
Place at an Angle: Position the skewers at a 45-degree angle to the grates.
Avoid Moving Them Too Soon: Let the seafood sear for a couple of minutes before turning to create defined grill marks. Find out how to avoid overcooking seafood.

These steps will give your lemon garlic shrimp and scallop skewers a professional touch.

Flavor Enhancements Without Overpowering the Seafood

Enhancing the natural flavors of Shrimp and scallops is all about balance. Here are some tips:

Use Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the skewers after grilling.
Citrus Zest: Add lemon or lime zest to the marinade for an extra citrus kick.
Light Basting: Brush a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic over the skewers during the last minute of grilling.
Season Gently: Avoid heavy spices that can overshadow the delicate taste of the seafood.

These subtle additions elevate the shrimp scallop recipe without overwhelming it.

Delicious Variations of This Shrimp Scallop Recipe

Adding Colorful Veggies to Your Skewers

Incorporating vegetables adds nutrition and vibrant color to your skewers. Consider these options:

Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green peppers add sweetness and crunch.
Cherry Tomatoes: Provide a juicy burst of flavor.
Red Onions: Offer a mild, sweet taste when grilled.
Zucchini or Squash: Slice into rounds for easy threading.

Alternate the seafood with veggies on the skewers to create a visually appealing and tasty lemon garlic shrimp and scallop skewer.

Spice It Up – Incorporating Heat into the Marinade

If you enjoy a bit of heat, try these ideas:

Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch to the marinade for subtle warmth.
Minced Chili Peppers: Include jalapeño or serrano peppers for more intensity.
Spicy Sauce: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or sriracha.

Adjust the spiciness to your preference to give this shrimp scallop recipe a fiery twist.

Indoor Cooking – Oven or Stovetop Alternatives

No grill? No problem. You can still enjoy this delicious shrimp scallop recipe indoors.

Oven Broiling😛 Reheat your oven’s broiler.
Arrange the skewers on a baking pan covered with foil.
Broil for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.
Stovetop Grilling: Use a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the skewers for the same amount of time as you would on an outdoor grill.
Ensure good ventilation, as it may get smoky.

These alternatives allow you to prepare the lemon garlic shrimp and scallop skewers any time of year.

With these tips and variations, you can customize this shrimp scallop recipe to suit your tastes and cooking preferences. Whether you’re adding colorful veggies, spicing things up, or adapting to indoor cooking, there’s a version of this dish that’s perfect for you.

Serve these skewers alongside other easy dishes like Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a light breakfast option, or pair them with Rotel Dip as a fun party appetizer. You could even finish your meal with a refreshing French Toast for a sweet end to your quick, delicious spread.