Shrimp, Scallops, and Dill Rice with Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette
Scallops and shrimp with lemon mustard vinaigrette is a perfect meal for a special night in. It looks and tastes like a restaurant dish, but it will be much easier on your wallet!
Scallops and shrimp with lemon mustard vinaigrette is a perfect meal for a special night in. It looks and tastes like a restaurant dish, but it will be much easier on your wallet!
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- zest from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 small shallot minced
- 1 cups chicken stock
- â½ cup + 1 t. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided (plus more for seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper, divided (plus more f
- 1/2 pound shrimp (i used 31-35 count), peeled & deveine
- 1/2 pound scallops (i used 20-30 count)
- Carbohydrate 99.6506858341762 g
- Cholesterol 22.4650000060865 mg
- Fat 12.2661412644293 g
- Fiber 4.70340000603643 g
- Protein 15.88164154039 g
- Saturated Fat 5.09937141512436 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (640g)
- Sodium 1046.03849545052 mg
- Sugar 94.9472858281397 g
- Trans Fat 0.901708378613311 g
- Calories 575 calories
Step-by-step
- For the vinaigrette: Pour ½ cup of the olive oil into a glass measuring cup or small bowl. Add the mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, shallot, 1 T. dill, ½ tsp. salt, and ⅛ tsp. pepper. Whisk together vigorously until the vinaigrette combines and thickens.
- For the rice: Stir the rice, chicken stock, and remaining salt and pepper together in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and let simmer – stirring occasionally – for 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove the rice from the heat, let it stand for 5 minutes, and then stir in the parsley, remaining dill, and ½ cup of the prepared vinaigrette.
- For the seafood: Pat the shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. Heat the butter and remaining 1 T. olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the scallops to the hot pan. Sear the first side for 3 minutes, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Remove the scallops with a slotted spoon and place on a plate.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook the same way (sear the first side for 3 minutes, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side). Add the scallops and their juices back into the pan with the shrimp, pour in 1 T. of the vinaigrette, and cook for just 1 minute longer to coat the seafood in the sauce.
- To serve, place the rice on a plate, top with scallops and shrimp. Garnish with lemon slices and drizzle more vinaigrette on top, if desired.
A Weeknight Escape: Shrimp, Scallops, and Dill Rice
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding meetings, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time for a relaxing dinner feels like a luxury. But last night, I managed to carve out a little bit of "me time" with a truly special meal, and let me tell you, it was worth every minute. This Shrimp, Scallops, and Dill Rice dish wasn't just delicious; it was a little slice of tranquility in the midst of the chaos.
I’ve always believed that even the simplest meals can feel luxurious if you take the time to savor them. This recipe perfectly embodies that idea. The bright, lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the seafood, while the fluffy dill rice provides a comforting base. The entire dish comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. Forget takeout – this is a far more satisfying and rewarding way to end a long day.
The preparation itself is surprisingly straightforward. The vinaigrette is whipped together in minutes, a vibrant blend of lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. The rice cooks gently on the stovetop, infusing the kitchen with its aromatic steam. And the seafood? Oh, the seafood! A quick sear in a hot pan gives the shrimp and scallops a beautiful golden brown crust, locking in their juicy tenderness. The whole process is incredibly satisfying, a meditative dance of chopping, whisking, and sautéing.
What makes this dish truly special, though, isn’t just the taste – it's the feeling. It's the feeling of accomplishment after a long day, the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious from simple ingredients. It's the quiet moment of enjoyment, a pause to appreciate the subtle flavors and textures, a small act of self-care amidst the constant demands of motherhood. It's about slowing down, even just for a little while, and cherishing the simple pleasure of a well-cooked meal.
This dish is more than just food; it’s a ritual. It’s a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle, there is always time for a little bit of joy, a little bit of self-care, and a whole lot of deliciousness. And believe me, the family loved it too! They were quiet at first, completely engrossed in the delicate flavors. It's a dish that deserves appreciation, a dish that creates a feeling of quiet happiness and contentment. So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed, I urge you to give this recipe a try. It's a culinary hug, a comforting escape, and a reminder that even on the busiest of nights, a little bit of luxury is always within reach.
Beyond the Plate: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, add some vegetables, or swap out the seafood for chicken or tofu. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your own tastes and preferences. It's a canvas for your culinary creativity, a chance to personalize your dining experience and create a meal that truly reflects your style.
The Art of the Sear: Mastering the art of searing is key to achieving perfectly cooked seafood. Ensure your pan is screaming hot before adding the scallops and shrimp. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. And resist the urge to move the seafood around too much while it's searing. Let it develop a nice crust before flipping.
Make it a Feast: Elevate this meal to a true feast by serving it with a crisp salad and a glass of chilled white wine. The lightness of the salad will complement the richness of the seafood, while the wine will enhance the bright, lemony flavors of the vinaigrette. It's a celebration of simple elegance, a reminder that sometimes the most memorable meals are the ones that are both effortless and unforgettable.
The Perfect Weeknight Treat: In the end, this Shrimp, Scallops, and Dill Rice dish is more than just a recipe; it's an experience. It's a culinary journey that takes you from the simple act of chopping fresh herbs to the exquisite satisfaction of savoring a perfectly balanced dish. It's a testament to the power of food to nourish not only the body, but also the soul. It's a recipe for happiness, one that I wholeheartedly recommend you try.
