Citrus Shrimp and Scallops

Citrus Shrimp and Scallops Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Citrus Shrimp and Scallops is a delicious and refreshing seafood dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. The combination of citrus flavors with succulent shrimp and scallops creates a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.

History

This recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors of citrus fruits and the delicate taste of seafood. Citrus fruits have long been used in cooking to add brightness and acidity to dishes, while shrimp and scallops are popular choices for seafood lovers due to their sweet and tender texture.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) fresh or frozen scallops
0.5 lb (227 g) shrimp (16 – 20)
0.5 cup orange juice
1 tsp grated gingerroot
0.25 tsp ground red pepper
1 orange, cut into 8 wedges
1 tsp finely shredded orange peel
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
12 fresh or frozen pea pods

How to prepare

Place scallops and shrimp in a plastic bag placed in a deep bowl.
For the marinade, combine orange peel, orange juice, soy sauce, gingerroot, garlic, and red pepper.
Pour the marinade over the seafood. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Drain the seafood, reserving the marinade.
If using fresh pea pods, cook them in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then drain. If using frozen pea pods, thaw and drain them.
Wrap 1 pea pod around each shrimp.
Thread the pea pods, shrimp, scallops, and orange wedges onto four 10 – 12" skewers, alternating them.
Grill the kabobs on an uncovered grill directly over medium-hot coals for 5 minutes.
Turn the kabobs and brush them with the reserved marinade.
Grill for 5 – 7 minutes more or until the shrimp turn pink and the scallops are opaque.
Brush the kabobs occasionally with the reserved marinade.
For broiler directions, place the kabobs on the unheated rack of a broiler pan.
Broil them 4" from the heat for 4 minutes.
Turn the kabobs and broil for 4 – 6 minutes more or until the shrimp turn pink and the scallops are opaque.
Brush the kabobs occasionally with the reserved marinade.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the kabobs for extra color and flavor.
Use lemon or lime juice instead of orange juice for a different citrus twist.
Substitute chicken or tofu for the seafood for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the seafood for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best taste and texture.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp and scallops, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Brushing the kabobs with the reserved marinade while grilling or broiling will help keep them moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Citrus Shrimp and Scallops over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling or broiling the kabobs is the best way to cook the seafood, as it allows the flavors to develop and the shrimp and scallops to cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh scallops, you can use frozen scallops that have been thawed. You can also use different types of seafood like lobster or fish in place of the shrimp and scallops.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the seafood ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This will help save time when preparing the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Citrus Shrimp and Scallops on a platter with the skewers arranged in a decorative pattern. Garnish with fresh herbs and citrus slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer. A side salad or steamed vegetables would also complement the flavors of the seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Citrus Shrimp and Scallops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the kabobs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 150 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 2 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Citrus fruits like oranges are rich in vitamin C, while shrimp and scallops are good sources of protein and minerals like zinc and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp and scallops) and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a good source of protein and vitamins, while being relatively low in calories and fat.

Summary

Citrus Shrimp and Scallops is a flavorful and healthy seafood dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With the bright flavors of citrus fruits and the tender texture of shrimp and scallops, this dish is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Citrus Shrimp and Scallops. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her coastal kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious seafood dishes, and on this particular day, she was busy preparing a colorful and fragrant dish that immediately caught my attention.

As I watched Maria expertly peel and devein the shrimp, and sear the scallops to perfection, I couldn't help but be fascinated by her skill and precision. But what really intrigued me was the combination of citrus flavors she was using in the dish. The aroma of fresh lemon, lime, and orange filled the kitchen, creating a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water.

I asked Maria where she had learned to make such a unique and flavorful dish, and she smiled before revealing that the recipe had been passed down to her from her own grandmother. She explained that the citrus marinade not only added a refreshing twist to the seafood, but also helped to tenderize the shrimp and scallops, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Maria graciously shared the recipe with me, and I couldn't wait to try it out for myself. I made a mental note of the ingredients and instructions, eager to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. As I left Maria's house that day, I felt inspired and excited to expand my culinary repertoire with this new and delicious recipe.

Back at home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients for the Citrus Shrimp and Scallops dish. I carefully peeled and deveined the shrimp, and seared the scallops just as Maria had shown me. The scent of the citrus marinade filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that sunny day by the sea.

As I plated the dish and took my first bite, I was immediately transported to a world of vibrant flavors and textures. The tangy citrus marinade complemented the sweetness of the shrimp and scallops perfectly, creating a harmonious balance that danced on my taste buds. I couldn't believe how easy it was to make such a gourmet-worthy dish, thanks to Maria's expert guidance.

Over the years, I have made the Citrus Shrimp and Scallops recipe countless times, each time adding my own personal touch to it. Sometimes I would experiment with different citrus fruits, or add a hint of spice for an extra kick. But no matter how I chose to customize the dish, the core flavors and techniques that Maria had taught me always remained true.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, they too fell in love with the bright and bold flavors of the Citrus Shrimp and Scallops dish. I would often find myself receiving requests for the recipe, and happily passing it along with a smile, just as Maria had done for me all those years ago.

In a way, this recipe has become a symbol of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to celebrate the joy of cooking. Every time I make the Citrus Shrimp and Scallops dish, I am reminded of that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, and the bond that was forged over a shared love of food.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I am grateful for the recipes and traditions that have been passed down to me, and the joy they bring to those around me. The Citrus Shrimp and Scallops dish will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the friendships and flavors that have enriched my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined.