A seafood medley is a perfect meal if you crave something delicious, elegant, and incredibly simple. This dish is a real winner, whether cooking for yourself or the whole family. It combines shrimp, scallops, calamari, and mussels into a flavorful, creamy skillet that comes together in under 20 minutes. But before proceeding to the preparation process of this delicious recipe, you should know about this seafood.
What is a seafood medley?
A seafood medley is a delightful combination of various seafood items, commonly featuring succulent shrimp, tender scallops, flavorful calamari, and plump mussels.
This wide range can often be found as a convenient frozen mixture in many grocery stores, making it accessible for home cooks.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make this creamy seafood skillet, you’ll need
- 1 frozen seafood mix (usually 1 lb) with shrimp, scallops, calamari, and mussels
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Cooked rice or pasta (optional, for serving)
How to Prepare Seafood Medley— Simple Steps
After knowing its ingredients, now learn it in simple steps.
Step 1: Thaw Before Cooking
Start by thawing your frozen seafood mix. The easiest method is to place the sealed pouch in a bowl of cold water for approximately half an hour. After draining, use a paper towel to pat dry.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Heat the olive oil and butter in a big skillet over medium heat. Together, these ingredients help your seafood cook more evenly and give it a rich, buttery flavor.
Step 3: Sauté in Garlic Butter
Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Then add it and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep in mind that overcooking causes seafood to become rubbery.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Goodness
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top after adding the heavy cream. The sauce should thicken after two to three more minutes of cooking, after giving it a good stir. Add just the right amount of salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your seafood medley hot over rice or pasta. Add some fresh parsley as a garnish for some color.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
This seafood medley recipe is not only a treat for your taste buds but also impressively practical for your weeknight meals. Here’s why you’ll love it:
1. Quick to Cook
This dish is perfect for hectic evenings when time is of the essence because it can be made and served in less than 20 minutes.
2. Budget-Friendly
This recipe offers an affordable way to enjoy fresh seafood without going over budget when compared to eating out at seafood restaurants. You can create a gourmet experience at home for much less.
3. One-Pan Wonder
This recipe requires little cleanup because everything is prepared in a single pan, giving you more time to enjoy the meal with loved ones.
4. Nutritious Ingredients
It satisfies your cravings and supports a balanced diet because it is full of good fats and healthy proteins. It is a fantastic way to add important nutrients to your weeknight meals.
5. Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
This seafood dish is a great addition to your menu because it can be prepared for any occasion, whether it is a special dinner party or a laid-back family dinner. Enjoy the flavor combinations and convenience that this recipe brings to your kitchen!
Tips for Preventing Mistakes
When preparing your seafood medley, keep these tips in mind.
Temperature Control
Always follow the cooking instructions, ensuring you keep the temperature on medium. This helps the seafood cook evenly without becoming rubbery.
Seasoning
Start by adding a small pinch of salt and pepper. Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference. It’s easier to add more than to try to fix an overly salty or peppery dish.
Garlic Flavor
For the best flavor, use fresh minced garlic rather than pre-minced cloves in a glass container. Fresh garlic adds a richness that enhances the overall taste of your seafood medley.
These simple tips will elevate your dish and ensure a delicious meal every time!
Customize Your Seafood Medley
The beauty of this dish is how easy it is to make it your own. Use unsalted butter and skip added salt. Skip the pasta and serve with steamed veggies or cauliflower rice as a keto-friendly meal. If you want to make it spicy, then you can add a little bit of red chili powder. Add a spoonful of cream cheese to get a cheesy flavor; you can also add a splash of white wine to enhance its flavor.
Health Benefits of a Seafood Medley
Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vital minerals like iodine and zinc are all abundant in seafood. Your skin, heart, and brain will all benefit from it. You can avoid added sodium and preservatives in store-bought or restaurant-bought seafood medleys by preparing your own at home.
Conclusion
Seafood medley is the ultimate one-pan dinner. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of ocean flavor. Plus, it cooks in under 20 minutes and uses a frozen seafood mix, making it the perfect weeknight seafood recipe. Whether you’re enjoying it over pasta, rice, or on its own, it’s a dish you’ll love sharing.
FAQs
What is in a typical seafood medley?
A seafood medley often includes shrimp, scallops, calamari, and mussels. It can be found as a frozen seafood mix in most grocery stores.
Can I use fresh seafood instead of frozen?
Yes! You can use fresh seafood, but frozen seafood mix is more convenient and budget-friendly for a quick seafood meal.
How do I keep seafood from overcooking?
Cook seafood over medium heat and keep a close eye. Most seafood only needs 3-4 minutes to cook perfectly.
What can I serve with seafood medley?
Seafood medley goes great with rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.
Is seafood medley healthy?
Yes, it’s full of lean protein and healthy fats. By cooking it yourself, you can also control the salt and avoid preservatives.
