Name: Seafood Bake for Two
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 sea scallops; 1 lobster tail, halved; 1/2 cup melted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Fresh parsley for garnish

Seafood Bake for Two is the perfect dish for an elegant dinner at home without the hassle of a complicated recipe. This dish is light yet satisfying, packed with the rich flavors of fresh shrimp, scallops, and lobster tail. The seafood is baked to perfection in a luxurious butter-garlic sauce, accented with lemon and Parmesan for a touch of richness. Ideal for a romantic meal or a cozy dinner, this Seafood Bake can be paired with your favorite sides like garlic bread or roasted vegetables to complete the experience. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a special meal for two, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 sea scallops
1 lobster tail, halved
1/2 cup melted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will allow the seafood to bake evenly, resulting in tender and juicy shrimp, scallops, and lobster.

Step 2:

Arrange the seafood in a baking dish. Ensure that the shrimp, scallops, and lobster tail are evenly spaced out, so they bake uniformly. The lobster tail should be halved to allow for quicker cooking and better absorption of flavors.

Step 3:

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, creating a flavorful butter sauce that will coat the seafood. The garlic will infuse its robust flavor into the butter, while the lemon juice adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the butter.

Step 4:

Drizzle the butter-garlic mixture generously over the seafood in the baking dish. Make sure that each piece of seafood is coated well, as this will ensure the flavors penetrate the seafood during the baking process.

Step 5:

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the seafood. The Parmesan will melt and form a golden, slightly crispy crust on top of the seafood, adding a delicious cheesy flavor to the dish. Once done, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The seafood should be fully cooked but still tender. You will know it’s ready when the shrimp turns pink, the scallops are opaque, and the lobster is firm and bright red.

Cooking Note

It’s important not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and chewy. Keep a close eye on the baking time, especially if your shrimp or lobster tail are smaller than average. If you prefer a more caramelized topping, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes to give the cheese a nice golden-brown finish.

Serving Suggestions

To make this meal complete, consider serving the Seafood Bake for Two with a side of garlic bread, which can be used to soak up the remaining buttery sauce in the dish. Another great option is to pair it with a simple side of roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The vegetables will add a healthy and fresh element to the meal, complementing the richness of the seafood.

For an extra indulgent touch, you could also serve this with a light pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs. The simplicity of the pasta allows the flavors of the seafood bake to shine, while the pasta adds a hearty element to the dish.

Tips

If you prefer, you can swap out the shrimp or scallops for other seafood options such as mussels or crab. This adds variety and allows you to customize the dish based on your personal preference or what’s fresh at the market.
Fresh lemon zest can be sprinkled on top before serving to brighten the dish even more.
If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the texture of the seafood.
To make the dish even richer, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the butter sauce before drizzling it over the seafood.

Prep Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Protein: 32g per serving
Sodium: 890mg per serving

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen seafood, but make sure to thaw it completely before baking. Frozen shrimp, scallops, and lobster tails are widely available and can be just as delicious as fresh when cooked properly.

2. Can I add other seasonings to the butter sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or parsley, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Just be mindful of balancing the flavors so that the seafood remains the star of the dish.

3. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast can be a great option, as it provides a similar savory, cheesy flavor. Alternatively, you can skip the cheese altogether for a lighter dish.

4. How do I know when the seafood is cooked?
Shrimp should be pink and opaque, scallops should be white and slightly firm, and the lobster tail should be bright red with firm flesh. If you’re unsure, a quick check with a thermometer will show that seafood is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

5. Can I double this recipe for more servings?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate more people. Just make sure to adjust the size of your baking dish and ensure all seafood is evenly spaced for uniform cooking.

Conclusion

This Seafood Bake for Two is a luxurious yet simple dish that brings the flavors of the sea to your home kitchen. It’s a perfect choice for a date night or any special occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The buttery garlic sauce combined with lemon, paprika, and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to satisfy. Whether paired with crusty garlic bread or a fresh salad, this dish is a winner every time. Enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality seafood bake in the comfort of your home with this easy-to-follow recipe!