Grilled Citrus Shrimp & Scallops with Maple Bacon Vinaigrette
Indulge in this flavorful seafood dish that combines the sweetness of grilled shrimp and scallops with a warm, smoky maple bacon vinaigrette. The combination of fresh lime juice and a touch of sugar balances the saltiness of the bacon, creating a delightful dressing that elevates the natural flavors of the seafood. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a sophisticated weeknight meal. Pair it with aromatic yellow rice, crispy fried ripe plantains, and a fresh salad for a complete culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
315
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Thick-sliced bacon
2 slices (diced)
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (divided)
Apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons
Sugar or Splenda sugar substitute
2 tablespoons
Fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon (fresh (not bottled))
Jumbo shrimp
8 (peeled and deveined with tails left on)
Sea scallops
4
Garlic
2 tablespoons (minced)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the grill to high heat for optimal cooking.
2
In a large sauté pan, fry the diced bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and allow it to drain on paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3
To the same pan with the bacon drippings, stir in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar (or Splenda), and fresh lime juice, mixing well. Remove from heat and season the vinaigrette with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep warm.
4
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp and scallops with the remaining oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
5
Carefully thread the shrimp onto one metal skewer and the scallops onto another, making sure not to crowd them.
6
Place the skewers on the grill and cook the scallops for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are opaque and cooked through. Grill the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they are pink and firm.
7
Remove the seafood from the skewers and arrange them beautifully on pre-warmed plates. Drizzle generously with the warm maple bacon vinaigrette and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
8
For a complete meal, serve the grilled seafood with fluffy yellow rice, fried ripe plantains, and a vibrant salad of red peppers and sliced tomatoes, paired with a glass of your favorite wine. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
21.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main proteins used in this recipe?
The main proteins in this recipe are jumbo shrimp and sea scallops.
How many calories are in one serving of Grilled Citrus Shrimp & Scallops?
Each serving contains approximately 315 calories.
What ingredients make up the Maple Bacon Vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of rendered bacon fat, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar or Splenda, and fresh lime juice.
How long should I grill the sea scallops?
Grill the scallops for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are opaque and fully cooked.
How long should the shrimp be grilled?
The shrimp should be grilled for about 2 minutes per side until they become pink and firm.
What type of heat is recommended for the grill?
A high heat setting is recommended for optimal cooking of the seafood.
Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use Splenda sugar substitute instead of regular sugar in the vinaigrette.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides approximately 21.5g of protein per serving.
How should the shrimp be prepared before grilling?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined, but the tails should be left on.
What type of vinegar is best for the vinaigrette?
Apple cider vinegar is used to provide the necessary acidity for the dressing.
Is there any spice or heat in this recipe?
Yes, crushed red pepper flakes are added to the seafood seasoning for a touch of heat.
What sides are suggested to serve with this dish?
It is recommended to serve this seafood with yellow rice, fried ripe plantains, and a fresh salad of red peppers and tomatoes.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are approximately 17g of fat per serving.
Do I need to discard the bacon fat after frying?
No, you should leave the rendered bacon fat in the pan as it forms the base of the warm vinaigrette.
What type of bacon should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 slices of thick-sliced bacon, diced.
Should the shrimp and scallops be on the same skewer?
No, the instructions specify threading the shrimp onto one metal skewer and the scallops onto another.
What kind of lime juice should be used?
Fresh lime juice is recommended rather than bottled juice for the best flavor.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
What garnish is used for the final presentation?
The dish is garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a special dinner or a sophisticated weeknight meal.
What type of salt should I use?
Kosher salt is the recommended salt for both the vinaigrette and the seafood seasoning.
Is this dish associated with a specific cuisine?
The recipe is tagged as Cuban cuisine.
How many jumbo shrimp are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 jumbo shrimp.
How many sea scallops are included?
The recipe specifies 4 sea scallops.
What is the primary oil used in the recipe?
Vegetable oil is the primary oil used, divided between the vinaigrette and the seafood coating.
How is the bacon prepared?
The bacon is diced and fried over medium-high heat until it is crispy.
Is the vinaigrette served hot or cold?
The vinaigrette should be kept warm and drizzled generously over the seafood just before serving.
What kind of skewers should I use for grilling?
The recipe suggests using metal skewers.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' despite its gourmet classification.