Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallops
Indulge in a delightful blend of succulent shrimp and tender scallops, bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice. This mouthwatering Cajun-inspired dish is elevated with crushed red pepper flakes and brightened by fresh lime juice and parsley, making it perfect for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal. Serve it over your favorite pasta to create an unforgettable dining experience. For the freshest seafood, visit www.BigEasySeafood.com.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 teaspoon (none)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (slivered)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Large Shrimp
1/2 lb (peeled and deveined)
Bay Scallops
1/2 lb (none)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Chicken Broth
4 tablespoons (none)
Fresh Lime Juice
1 teaspoon (none)
Fresh Italian Parsley
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the slivered garlic and sauté until it transforms golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the garlic and set aside in a small bowl to maintain its crispy texture.
4
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and increase the heat to medium-high.
5
Add the garlic back into the skillet, along with the peeled shrimp, bay scallops, and paprika; sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the seafood turns opaque and is just cooked through.
6
Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
7
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp and scallops onto a serving platter; keep warm.
8
Add the fresh lime juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine and gently heat through.
9
Drizzle the flavorful sauce over the sautéed shrimp and scallops, serving immediately with pasta of your choice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallops?
It is a savory seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp and tender scallops in a garlic butter sauce with Cajun spices, crushed red pepper, and lime juice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of seafood is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of large peeled and deveined shrimp and 1/2 lb of bay scallops.
Can I use sea scallops instead of bay scallops?
Yes, you can use sea scallops, but because they are larger than bay scallops, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the slivered garlic over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then immediately remove it with a slotted spoon to set aside.
What should I serve with Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallops?
This dish is best served over your favorite pasta to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat profile due to the inclusion of 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and paprika.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp and scallops?
The seafood should be sautéed for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until it turns opaque.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or a dry white wine for a different flavor profile.
What kind of pasta works best with this dish?
Long pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti works wonderfully, but short pasta like penne is also a good choice.
Can I use frozen shrimp and scallops?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pan.
How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
Shrimp is done when it changes from translucent to an opaque pinkish-orange color and curls into a C-shape.
How do I know when the bay scallops are done?
Bay scallops are finished when they turn opaque and feel slightly firm to the touch.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
Yes, lemon juice is an excellent substitute if you do not have fresh lime juice available.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The shrimp and scallop mixture itself is gluten-free, but you must serve it with gluten-free pasta or over rice to keep the entire meal gluten-free.
Is there butter in this recipe despite the title?
While the title mentions garlic butter, the provided ingredient list uses olive oil. You can substitute olive oil with butter for a richer flavor.
How should I store leftover shrimp and scallops?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through to prevent the seafood from becoming rubbery.
What does paprika add to the recipe?
Paprika adds a subtle earthy flavor and a vibrant reddish color to the seafood and sauce.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about one-third of the amount (roughly 2-3 tablespoons) as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
Do I need to devein the shrimp?
Yes, the recipe specifies using peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and appearance.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
A standard olive oil or extra virgin olive oil works well for sautéing the garlic and seafood.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, bell peppers, onions, or spinach would make great additions to this Cajun-inspired seafood stir-fry.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
The seafood and sauce are keto-friendly; simply serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
How do I get the garlic slivers crispy?
By removing the garlic once it is golden and adding it back at the end, you maintain its crispy texture.
Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
You can, but the recipe specifically calls for slivered garlic to achieve a certain texture and toasted flavor.
What if I don't have crushed red pepper flakes?
You can use a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce, or omit it entirely if you prefer no heat.
Can I use white wine in the sauce?
Yes, replacing the chicken broth with a splash of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc adds a sophisticated acidity.
Is this dish suitable for an elegant dinner?
Absolutely, the combination of scallops and shrimp creates an elegant presentation perfect for special occasions.
Where can I find high-quality seafood for this recipe?
For the freshest seafood, the recipe suggests visiting www.BigEasySeafood.com.