Seafood Bake Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these add a sweet and succulent flavor to the dish.

Scallops: Tender and slightly sweet, they complement the shrimp perfectly.

Cherry tomatoes: Halved, they add a burst of color and a juicy, tangy flavor.

Bell peppers: Diced, they provide a crunchy texture and a sweet, fresh taste.

Olive oil: Used to coat the ingredients, adding a rich and smooth flavor.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the seafood and vegetables.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Garlic: Minced, it infuses the dish with a robust and aromatic flavor.

Lemon juice: Adds a zesty and refreshing acidity that brightens the dish.

Parsley: Freshly chopped, it adds a vibrant color and a fresh, herbal note.

When preparing this seafood bake, ensure that the shrimp and scallops are of similar size to promote even cooking. If the scallops are significantly larger, consider slicing them in half. This will help achieve a uniform texture and prevent any pieces from being overcooked or undercooked. Additionally, when mincing garlic, aim for a fine consistency to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: If you prefer a non-seafood option, chicken breast can provide a similar protein content and texture when cooked.

• scallops - Substitute with firm tofu: Firm tofu can mimic the texture of scallops and absorb the flavors of the dish well, making it a good vegetarian alternative.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and sweetness, making them an excellent substitute.

• bell peppers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini offers a similar texture and can add a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a high smoke point, making it suitable for baking.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a unique twist.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor that still adds depth to the dish.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative.

• fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can add a different but equally fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish.

• Allow the seafood bake to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the seafood bake to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place a piece of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shrimp and scallops will maintain their texture and flavor within this timeframe.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the seafood bake in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.

• When ready to enjoy again, thaw the seafood bake in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the shrimp and scallops.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the seafood bake in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm.

• For an added burst of freshness, sprinkle with additional fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover seafood bake in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the shrimp and scallops are warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the cherry tomatoes and bell peppers regain some of their roasted texture.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover seafood bake to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the seafood is warmed through.
  5. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover seafood bake in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the contents and check the temperature.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the seafood is heated through.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

• Steam Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the leftover seafood bake in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp and scallops are heated through.
  4. Serve immediately with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley.

• Oven: Used to bake the seafood mixture at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine shrimp, scallops, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers with the seasoning and olive oil.

• Baking dish: Holds the seafood mixture while it bakes in the oven.

• Aluminum foil: Covers the baking dish to help retain moisture and ensure even cooking.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice accurately.

• Knife: Used to dice the bell peppers and halve the cherry tomatoes.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the vegetables.

• Garlic press: Used to mince the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Tongs: Useful for tossing the seafood and vegetable mixture to ensure even coating with the seasoning.

• Serving spoon: Used to serve the baked seafood dish once it's ready.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when handling the hot baking dish from the oven.

Prep ingredients ahead: Peel and devein the shrimp and dice the bell peppers the night before to save time.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for store-bought minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

One-pan method: Combine all ingredients in a single baking dish to minimize cleanup.

Quick marinade: Let the seafood marinate in the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices while you preheat the oven.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.