Grilled Sausage And Scallops With Peppers, Lemon, Basil And Garlic
Juicy scallops and savory sausage skewers are grilled to perfection, complemented by sweet peppers, aromatic basil, lemon, and garlic. This vibrant dish offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for outdoor gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner that impresses with its bold taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blanch the scallops in boiling salted water for 1 minute, then drain and allow to cool.
- Cook the sausage links in boiling water until fully cooked, about 5 minutes, then drain and cool.
- Thread the scallops, sausages, and vegetables onto skewers, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Cook the skewers over a medium fire until all ingredients have attained some brown crusting, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and slide the ingredients off into a large bowl.
- Add chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice to the bowl.
- Shake or toss the ingredients until everything is well mixed and coated.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the sausage links in lemon juice and garlic for a few hours before cooking. Feel free to substitute the sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. If using frozen scallops, ensure they are completely thawed before blanching to maintain texture. Adjust the pepper varieties based on your heat preference, using jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grilled skewers over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh Primavera Salad for a vibrant meal. A side of crusty bread can also be a great addition to soak up the flavors. For a complete Mediterranean experience, pair with a chilled white wine that complements the seafood.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the skewers in a skillet over medium heat or in a microwave, being careful not to overcook the scallops, which can become rubbery. Adding a splash of lemon juice while reheating can refresh the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Sausage And Scallops With Peppers, Lemon, Basil And Garlic contains roughly 951 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 101g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1805mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but ensure they are completely thawed before blanching. This helps maintain the proper texture and prevents them from becoming tough during cooking.
What kind of sausage works best in this dish?
Freshly ground Italian sausage is a great choice due to its flavor profile. You can also experiment with other varieties like spicy sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter option, keeping the overall seasoning in mind.
How do I know when the skewers are done cooking?
The skewers are done cooking when the scallops are opaque and firm to the touch, and the sausage is browned and heated through. Generally, 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium heat should suffice for perfect results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).