Scallops And Mushrooms In Shells
Elegant scallops and mushrooms baked in shells with a buttery, parsley-infused topping, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a flavorful appetizer or special occasion dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a small skillet and add the sliced mushrooms.
- Cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms are wilted and release their liquid.
- Add the chopped shallots and garlic, and cook briefly.
- Spoon the mushroom mixture into a mixing bowl.
- Let cool briefly, then add 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter, scallops, bread crumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Blend well.
- Use the mixture to fill 6 seafood shells.
- Arrange the filled shells on a baking dish or cookie sheet.
- Melt the remaining butter and pour it over the filled shells.
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Run the scallops under the broiler until nicely browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using wild mushrooms or a mix of mushrooms instead of just standard varieties. If you need a substitute for scallops, shrimp can work well but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Ensure that the butter is soft but not melted, as it helps bind the filling. For a variation, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before broiling.
Serving Suggestions
These scallops and mushrooms in shells make a stunning appetizer for dinner parties. Serve with a crisp green salad or alongside crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce. They pair beautifully with Broiled Salmon Steaks With Herb Sauce for a seafood feast. A chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shells in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the scallops rubbery. For a quick option, serve them cold as a seafood salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scallops And Mushrooms In Shells contains roughly 699 calories, with 18g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1020mg per serving (44% 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 prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mushroom and scallop filling a few hours ahead of time. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to fill the shells and bake. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What types of seafood shells can I use?
You can use various seafood shells like scallop shells, clam shells, or even individual ramekins if shells are unavailable. Just ensure they are oven-safe. The presentation can vary, but the flavor will remain delicious regardless of the vessel.
Can I freeze the filled shells?
Freezing filled shells is possible, but it's best to freeze them before baking. Wrap each shell tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for thorough heating.
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).