Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce

Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 6 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the succulent flavors of shrimp and scallops with a tangy and sweet glaze. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a special dinner party.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from the vibrant and bold flavors of equatorial cuisine, where spicy chiles and fresh ginger are commonly used to create delicious dishes. The combination of seafood with a sweet and savory glaze is a popular cooking technique in many equatorial regions.

Ingredients

Sauce

2 tbsp peanut oil
2 jalapeño chiles, minced
2 tsp minced, peeled fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
0.75 cup dry white wine
0.33 cup soy sauce
0.33 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Kebabs

0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
24 large uncooked shrimp, peeled, deveined
24 large sea scallops
6 metal skewers

How to prepare

Sauce

Heat the oil in a small saucepan over very low heat until warm.
Stir in the chiles, ginger, and garlic.
Cover and cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally (do not brown).
Mix the wine, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch until the starch dissolves.
Add the mixture to the chile mixture.
Increase the heat to medium-high and whisk until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly.
Remove the sauce from the heat.
Transfer to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
Stir in the lime juice. (This can be made 4 hours ahead. Let it stand at room temperature.)

Kebabs

Prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat).
Pour 0.5 cup of sauce into a small bowl.
Add cilantro to the remaining sauce and reserve.
Alternate 4 shrimp and 4 scallops on each skewer.
Brush both sides with 0.5 cup of sauce.
Grill just until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
Transfer to plates and serve with the reserved sauce.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp and scallops with your favorite seafood, such as lobster or fish.
Add pineapple or bell peppers to the skewers for a pop of color and sweetness.
Use a different glaze, such as a teriyaki or honey garlic sauce, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to devein the shrimp and remove the scallop muscle before skewering them to ensure a clean and delicious taste.

- Brushing the skewers with the glaze while grilling will help to caramelize the sauce and enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery. Grill just until cooked through for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce with steamed rice and a side of grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling is the best cooking technique for this recipe, as it helps to caramelize the glaze and impart a smoky flavor to the seafood.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have peanut oil, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil as a substitute.

- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of dark brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and skewer the seafood ahead of time, then grill the skewers just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the seafood and glaze.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the grill until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish, soy, and peanuts.

Summary

Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.

Summary

Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. With a tangy and sweet glaze, succulent shrimp and scallops, and a touch of spice, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was exploring a bustling market in a small coastal town. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of spices and freshly caught seafood, and I couldn't help but be drawn to a small stall tucked away in a corner.

As I approached, I saw a weathered old man skillfully skewering plump shrimp, tender scallops, and succulent lobster tails onto bamboo sticks. His hands moved with a practiced ease, and I watched in awe as he brushed each skewer with a rich, golden glaze that shimmered in the sunlight.

Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with the man and learned that he had spent years traveling the world, learning the art of cooking from different cultures and cuisines. He told me that the recipe for these Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce had been passed down to him by a wise old chef he had met in the tropical jungles of Equatorial Guinea.

I begged him to share the recipe with me, and after much persuasion, he finally relented. He handed me a tattered piece of paper covered in faded ink and smudges, and with a twinkle in his eye, he whispered, "This is a recipe that will transport your taste buds to the lush forests and crystal-clear waters of Equatorial Guinea."

Excited, I rushed home and immediately set to work recreating the dish. The recipe was a masterpiece of flavors and textures, combining the sweetness of coconut milk with the tanginess of lime juice and the heat of fiery chili peppers. The glaze was a sticky, caramelized concoction that clung to the shellfish like a rich, velvety blanket.

I marinated the shellfish in the glaze for hours, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse the seafood with a tantalizing aroma. As I skewered the shellfish and grilled them over an open flame, the glaze caramelized and bubbled, creating a mouthwatering crust that crackled and sizzled.

Finally, I plated the skewers and drizzled them with a vibrant dipping sauce made from fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce. The combination of the sweet, savory shellfish with the zesty, herbaceous sauce was a revelation, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a family favorite for years to come.

Since that fateful day at the market, I have made these Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce countless times, each time tweaking and refining the recipe to perfection. My family and friends always eagerly anticipate the moment when I unveil the skewers, knowing that they are in for a culinary adventure that will transport them to far-off lands with each bite.

As I sit here, reminiscing about the day I discovered this incredible recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the old man who shared his culinary secrets with me. His generosity and passion for cooking have inspired me to continue experimenting and exploring new flavors and techniques, always searching for that perfect balance of taste and texture that makes a dish truly unforgettable.

And so, I will continue to cook and share this recipe for Shellfish Skewers with Equatorial Glazing and Dipping Sauce, passing on the tradition of culinary excellence to future generations and keeping alive the memory of that magical day at the market when my taste buds were forever changed.