Tropical Seafood Martini with Vodka Habanero Vinaigrette
Elevate your next dinner party with this show-stopping Tropical Seafood Martini. Accented with a refreshing medley of sweet mango, zesty habanero, and the rich flavors of fresh seafood, this dish delivers an impressive combination of heat and sweetness. The unique vodka habanero vinaigrette infuses vibrant flavors that will tantalize your taste buds, making this an exquisite centerpiece for your gourmet gathering. Serve it in elegant martini glasses, and watch your guests' faces light up with delight as they dive into this complex and colorful dish. Prepare to make unforgettable culinary memories with this stunning presentation and irresistible taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole fresh habanero pepper
1 (Seeded and chopped)
Ripe mango
1 (Peeled and cubed)
Sweet red pepper
1 (Seeded and diced)
Crushed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (N/A)
Carrot
1 (Peeled and diced)
Dry mustard
1/8 cup (N/A)
Light brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons (Packed)
Cider vinegar
1/8 cup (N/A)
Unflavored vodka
4 tablespoons (N/A)
Garlic cloves
2 1/2 (Minced)
Curry powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Catsup
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Fresh seafood (mixed, steamed or cooked)
3 lbs (Shrimp, scallops, mussels, and/or lobster)
Celery
8 slices (Julienned)
Lemon twists
8 (N/A)
Lump crabmeat
1/2 lb (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped habanero pepper, mango, sweet red pepper, crushed tomatoes, carrot, dry mustard, light brown sugar, cider vinegar, vodka, minced garlic cloves, curry powder, cumin powder, salt, black pepper, and catsup.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
3
After simmering, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
4
Allow the dressing to cool for 1 hour before using. Remember to wear gloves when handling habanero peppers, as they are very hot.
5
Once the dressing has cooled, cook and clean your seafood choice (a mix of shrimp, scallops, mussels, and lobster to equal 3 pounds).
6
To assemble each serving, chill the martini glasses in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7
In each glass, layer the cooked seafood, followed by a generous portion of the vodka habanero dressing.
8
Cover the mixture with a layer of lump crabmeat (about 1 ounce per serving) for a luxurious finish.
9
Chill each assembled martini for at least 2 hours before serving.
10
Just before serving, garnish each martini glass with julienned celery and a twist of lemon for added flair and freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tropical Seafood Martini?
It is a gourmet seafood dish featuring a mix of cooked seafood like shrimp and lobster, served in a martini glass with a sweet and spicy vodka habanero vinaigrette and topped with lump crabmeat.
What types of seafood are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using a mix of shrimp, scallops, mussels, and lobster to equal a total of 3 pounds.
How is the vodka habanero vinaigrette made?
The vinaigrette is made by simmering habanero, mango, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, vodka, and various spices for one hour, then pureeing the mixture until smooth.
Is the Tropical Seafood Martini spicy?
Yes, it contains a whole fresh habanero pepper, which provides a significant amount of heat, balanced by the sweetness of mango and brown sugar.
What gives the dish its tropical flavor profile?
The tropical flavor comes primarily from the use of ripe cubed mango and the vibrant, citrusy heat of the habanero pepper.
How long should the dressing simmer?
The mixture should be brought to a boil and then simmered on low heat for 1 hour.
Do I need any special equipment for the dressing?
Yes, you will need a blender or a food processor to puree the simmered ingredients into a smooth vinaigrette.
Should I wear gloves when preparing this recipe?
Yes, it is highly recommended to wear gloves when handling and chopping the habanero pepper to avoid skin irritation or accidental eye contact.
How long does the dressing need to cool before use?
The dressing should cool for at least 1 hour after pureeing before you begin assembling the martinis.
How should the martini glasses be prepared?
The martini glasses should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to assembly.
How do you assemble the Tropical Seafood Martini?
Layer the cooked seafood in a chilled glass, add a generous portion of the dressing, and then top with a layer of lump crabmeat.
What is the final topping for this dish?
The dish is topped with approximately 1 ounce of lump crabmeat per serving for a luxurious finish.
How long should the assembled martinis chill before serving?
Once assembled, the martinis should chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
What garnishes are used for the final presentation?
Just before serving, garnish each glass with julienned celery and a twist of lemon.
Can I use unflavored vodka in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 4 tablespoons of unflavored vodka for the vinaigrette.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/8 cup of cider vinegar to provide the necessary acidity.
Are there any vegetables in the vinaigrette?
Yes, the vinaigrette includes sweet red pepper, carrot, garlic, and crushed tomatoes.
What spices are included in the vodka habanero dressing?
The spice blend includes dry mustard, curry powder, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper.
Does the recipe contain any added sugar?
Yes, it includes 2 and a half tablespoons of packed light brown sugar to balance the heat.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 and a half minced garlic cloves.
Can I use canned tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires one 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes for the base of the dressing.
How much total seafood is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 pounds of mixed fresh seafood plus an additional 1/2 pound of lump crabmeat.
How is the mango prepared?
One ripe mango should be peeled and cubed before being added to the saucepan.
What is the role of the carrot in the vinaigrette?
The carrot is peeled, diced, and simmered with the other ingredients to add body and a subtle sweetness to the pureed sauce.
Can I substitute the seafood types?
Yes, while a mix of shrimp, scallops, mussels, and lobster is suggested, you can use any combination of your favorite cooked seafood.
Is there catsup in this seafood martini?
Yes, a small amount (1/2 teaspoon) of catsup is added to the vinaigrette mixture for extra depth of flavor.
What should the consistency of the dressing be?
After pureeing, the dressing should be smooth and thick enough to generously coat the layered seafood.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
This is a cold dish; both the glasses and the assembled martinis are thoroughly chilled before serving.
Can I adjust the seasonings in the dressing?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting and adjusting the seasonings after pureeing the mixture to match your preference.
What makes this a 'martini' if it's a food dish?
It is referred to as a martini because of its elegant presentation in a chilled martini glass, following the style of a classic shrimp cocktail.