Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary seafood dinner into an extraordinary Southwestern feast! This tantalizing Shrimp and Scallops with Southwestern Tartar Sauce recipe is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines the delicate sweetness of perfectly seared seafood with a zesty, jalapeño-infused sauce that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will make you feel like a professional chef right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southwestern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb scallops
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chopped jalapeños
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels to ensure they will sear properly and achieve a golden crust.
- Prepare the Southwestern tartar sauce by combining mayonnaise, finely chopped jalapeños, and fresh lime juice in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- Season the shrimp and scallops generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coating.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place scallops in the hot pan, making sure they are not overcrowded. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are just opaque in the center.
- Remove scallops and set aside on a warm plate. In the same pan, sear the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Arrange the seared shrimp and scallops on a serving platter and drizzle with the prepared Southwestern tartar sauce.
- Garnish with additional chopped jalapeños or fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- • Moisture is the enemy of a perfect sear! Always pat your shrimp and scallops completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust.• Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan and ensure it's properly heated before adding seafood to prevent sticking and achieve that restaurant-quality sear.• Don't overcrowd the pan—cook shrimp and scallops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and allow proper caramelization.• For the most tender scallops, cook them just until they're opaque in the center (about 2-3 minutes per side). Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.• Let your Southwestern tartar sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.• For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of additional lime juice just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 424kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 220mg
