Shrimp And Scallops Au Gratin
A rich seafood gratin featuring tender shrimp and scallops in a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions with a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over low heat.
- Add shrimp, scallops, and chopped green onion.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and the onion is tender.
- Stir flour into the seafood mixture.
- Add heavy cream and half and half, cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add red cayenne pepper and brandy.
- Serve over fettucine noodles or rice with extra cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using all heavy cream instead of half and half. If fresh seafood isn't available, frozen shrimp and scallops can be a good substitute; just ensure they're fully thawed before cooking. To enhance flavor, try adding a splash of white wine along with the cream. For an extra kick, increase the red cayenne pepper to suit your taste. This dish also pairs beautifully with Lime Steamed Fish Fillets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shrimp And Scallops Au Gratin over a bed of fettuccine noodles or rice, allowing the creamy sauce to soak in. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and flavor. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to prevent the mixture from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the seafood rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp And Scallops Au Gratin contains roughly 718 calories, with 9g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value), protein (17% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% 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 shrimp and scallops for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp and scallops can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better texture in the final dish.
What can I serve with Shrimp And Scallops Au Gratin?
This dish pairs well with a light salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. The creamy sauce complements simple sides, allowing the seafood flavors to shine. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine to enhance the dining experience.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spiciness, you can add more red cayenne pepper or incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into the seafood mixture. Another option is to serve with a spicy hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to adjust the heat to their preference.
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).