Sea Scallops Or Shrimp With Sweet Peppers And Snow Peas
A vibrant seafood stir-fry featuring tender scallops or shrimp with sweet peppers and snow peas, accented by lemon and liqueur for a quick, flavorful meal perfect with rice or pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 sweet red pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/4 lb. snow peas, trimmed and rinsed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. hot red pepper flakes ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 1/4 lb. sea scallops or shrimp ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. shallots or scallions, chopped fine ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. anise-flavored liqueur ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sweet red pepper pieces and snow peas to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring and tossing, about 4 minutes until vegetables are nearly tender.
- Season with hot red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- When vegetables are nearly cooked, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet.
- Add the scallops or shrimp, chopped shallots or scallions, anise-flavored liqueur, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring, about 2 minutes until seafood is heated through.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dish, consider using shrimp instead of sea scallops, as they cook faster and absorb flavors well. If you want additional crunch, you can add sliced carrots or bell peppers. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can enhance the dish's freshness. Adjust the amount of hot red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed asparagus pairs well as a side. For a flavorful twist, drizzle with a bit of Shrimp Or Seafood Sauce. This dish is also great for meal prep, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the seafood, making it rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sea Scallops Or Shrimp With Sweet Peppers And Snow Peas contains roughly 272 calories, with 2g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2089mg per serving (91% 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 seafood for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops or shrimp. Just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking to achieve even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen seafood may release more moisture.
What can I substitute for anise-flavored liqueur?
If you don't have anise-flavored liqueur, you can use a splash of dry white wine or omit it entirely. Anise extract can also be used in smaller amounts for a similar flavor. Remember to adjust the seasoning to balance the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Just store the cooked seafood and vegetables separately from the rice or bread to maintain texture. Reheat the components as needed for a quick and delicious meal that can easily be enjoyed throughout the week.
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).