Mouth-Watering Seafood Delight: Basil Wine Sau
Picture yourself seated at a waterfront restaurant in the picturesque city of Venice, Italy. The aroma of fresh seafood wafts through the air as you select your meal from an assortment of delectable seafood dishes. Suddenly, you spot it: a colorful dish with juicy shrimp, plump scallops, and succulent mussels glazed in a luscious basil wine sauce. Your mouth waters as you dig in and savor every bite.
But what if I told you that you could recreate this magical taste experience at home, without ever leaving your kitchen? With our Shrimp, Scallops and Mussels in a Basil Wine Sauce Recipe, you can bring the flavors of Italy to your own table.
This tantalizing recipe features a medley of succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and fresh mussels swimming in a fragrant basil wine sauce. Each bite is bursting with flavor and texture that will transport you to the sunny Mediterranean coast – even if just for a moment.
Whether served over pasta or enjoyed as a side dish, our Shrimp, Scallops and Mussels in a Basil Wine Sauce Recipe is sure to impress. So put on your apron and get ready to savor the taste of Italy right from your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a seafood lover? Then, you’ll definitely love this Shrimp, Scallops, and Mussels in a Basil Wine Sauce recipe! This dish is a seafood lover’s dream come true – packed with succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and delicious mussels. But what exactly sets this recipe apart from the rest? Let me tell you – it’s all about the sauce.
The Basil Wine Sauce is the real hero of this dish. The delicate flavors of fresh basil and dry white wine combine to create a light and refreshing sauce that perfectly complements the flavor of the seafood. The sauce is so flavorful that it will have your taste buds singing with joy! It’s not too heavy or overpowering – just the right balance of flavors to make this dish perfect for any occasion.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main dish or even as an impressive side dish. And if you’re someone who loves experimenting with different pasta recipes, you can even toss in some pasta with tomato sauce or tomato cream sauce to elevate the dish even further.
What’s more? You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to prepare this dish. With just a few simple ingredients like shrimp, scallops, mussels, garlic, butter, and white wine, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time! Trust me; your guests will be blown away by how fancy and flavorful this seafood platter tastes.
So what are you waiting for? With its perfect combination of flavors and ease of preparation, Shrimp, Scallops and Mussels in a Basil Wine Sauce recipe needs to be added to your must-try list today!
Ingredient List
Here in this section, I will list all the ingredients you will need to make the delicious shrimp, scallops, and mussels in a basil wine sauce recipe. Make sure you have everything ready before starting to cook as it will make the cooking process smoother and less stressful. Without further ado, here are the required ingredients for this recipe:
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb mussels
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 1 scallion thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup basil wine sauce
- Salt and pepper
To complete this recipe, you will also need some seafood pasta or rice to serve as a base for the dish. You may also want to add some additional herbs like oregano or fresh basil to add more flavor to the dish. These ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or seafood market.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients at hand, it’s time to start cooking. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and easy to make. Whether you’re in a rush or want to cook a special dinner, this dish will definitely fulfill your cravings.
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Start by preparing the seafood. Rinse the mussels under running water and remove any dirt or debris. Discard any mussels that are open or have cracked shells. Next, rinse the shrimp and scallops under cold water and devein them. Remove the shell from the shrimp and pat them dry along with the scallops.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. When hot, add 1 chopped shallot, 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped scallion. Cook for 2 minutes until soft but not browned.
Step 3: Add the Seafood
Add the prepared shrimp and scallops to the pan with aromatics along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink while stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Wine Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, stir well, and cook until you see bubbles forming that indicate getting to boiling point, about a minute or so. Add in the cleaned mussels and cover them tightly with a lid to steam for about 5 minutes until they start to open up. Discard any mussels that do not open as this indicates they are dead before cooking.
Step 5: Final Touches
Add in half-teaspoon dried oregano, about one-fourth cup freshly chopped basil, and more salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until the basil wine sauce has reduced to a slightly thick consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Whether you enjoy seafood pasta or steamed seafood dishes, this recipe works well both ways. Serve with any side dish of your preference like bread, rice, vegetables or even tomato-based sauce dishes. You can also garnish it with some fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor.
Follow these simple steps to prepare the best shrimp, scallops, and mussels in a basil wine sauce recipe that’s so full of tangy and succulent flavors that your taste buds will crave again and again!
Substitutions and Variations
As a sommelier, I am aware that some ingredients may be difficult to find, and other cooks may need suggestions for substitutions or variations. Here are some possible swaps or substitutes:
1. Seafood – for a different mix of seafood, you can use clams or squid instead of mussels.
2. Wine – if you don’t have white wine, try using Sauvignon Blanc instead. Dry white wine is preferred as it pairs well with seafood, but any white wine will work.
3. Garlic – if you dislike the taste of garlic, you can replace it with onion or shallots. For those who love the taste of garlic and want more of it, add another clove or two!
4. Butter – if you prefer not to use butter, try using olive oil instead.
5. Basil – if fresh basil is hard to find or expensive in your area, try using dried basil. Oregano also works well in this recipe.
6. Sauce – the basil wine sauce recipe can be modified in different ways. You can add tomato sauce to make it a tomato cream sauce, or shrimp and garlic cream sauce for a richer flavour.
7. Pasta Recipe – If you’re looking for a pasta side dish to accompany this entree try using seafood pasta noodles such as spaghetti aglio e olio garnished with fresh parsley.
With these substitutions, you can adjust the recipe according to your personal taste preferences and use ingredients that are readily available in your area while keeping the core elements of this shrimp scallops mussels dish intact.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Shrimp, Scallops and Mussels in a Basil Wine Sauce is ready, it’s time to think about how to present and pair it.
To serve, simply ladle the seafood and wine sauce into a large bowl, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and set it on the table for everyone to dig in family-style. This works great as the main dish for a special dinner party or a cozy weeknight meal with a loved one.
But wait, what shall we pair this delicious shellfish pasta recipe with? A Sauvignon Blanc is our first recommendation because of its fruity, herbaceous flavors and high acidity that balances well alongside the seafood flavors in the shrimp scallops mussels dish.
If white wines aren’t your thing, why not try a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a robust rosé instead? For those wanting an alcohol-free pairing, we recommend serving alongside sparkling water with freshly squeezed lemon to balance out the rich flavors in the dish.
Now that you have some pairing suggestions in mind – cheers to a delicious meal!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
With the bustle of daily life, it’s always helpful to prepare meals ahead of time. This recipe for Shrimp, Scallops and Mussels in a Basil Wine Sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated without worry.
To make ahead, follow the recipe instructions until step 4. At this point, instead of simmering the seafood and wine sauce, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you’re ready to serve your dish, gently reheat it over low heat on the stovetop. This will prevent the seafood from overcooking or getting rubbery. You may also add a splash of white wine or chicken broth if needed to thin out the sauce.
This meal is not well-suited for freezing as seafood can easily dry and lose its texture when frozen. But if you need to keep your leftovers for longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
The seafood pasta reheats beautifully if you microwave it on medium power setting for one to two minutes while stirring occasionally to ensure even heating throughout.
Once heated through, serve with crusty bread or over pasta with a freshly grated parmesan cheese as a delicious side dish suitable for any occasion!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking seafood can be tricky, but if you follow these tips, your shrimp, scallops, and mussels in a basil wine sauce recipe will turn out perfectly every time. Here are my top tips for achieving the best results:
1. Cook seafood just until it’s done
Timing is everything when it comes to seafood. Overcooked shrimp, scallops, or mussels can turn rubbery and tough, which will ruin the dish. Be sure to cook them just until they’re done – shrimp should be pink and slightly firm, scallops should be opaque and slightly springy to the touch, and mussels should have opened up.
2. Use fresh ingredients
When it comes to cooking seafood, fresh is always best. Be sure to use the freshest shrimp, scallops, and mussels you can find. Look for seafood that smells sweet and briny, has a shiny surface with no discoloration or dryness, and feels firm to the touch.
3. Don’t overcrowd the pan
When cooking seafood, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan as this can cause the seafood to steam rather than sear. Searing gives seafood a nice flavor-crisp crust that adds depth to any dish. To avoid this problem, use a large enough pan and cook in batches if necessary.
4. Season wisely
Seafood has a delicate flavor that can easily be overwhelmed by too many spices or herbs. For this recipe of shrimp, scallops and mussels in a basil wine sauce recipe stick with simple seasonings like salt, pepper garlic or oregano.
5. Be careful with wine
Wine adds great flavor to seafood dishes but too much acidity can spoil it as well. This recipe calls for dry white wine; choose one with mild acidity like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Avoid using sweet wines or heavily oaked wines that overpower the flavors of the seafood.
Follow these tips and you will surely make the best shrimp, scallops, and mussels in a basil wine sauce recipe ever. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to prepare this delectable seafood pasta dish with shrimp, scallops and mussels in a basil wine sauce, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the best results possible. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, these tips and tricks will come in handy. So, buckle up and let’s get started!
What takes longer to cook shrimp or scallops?
When cooking shrimp and scallops, the cooking time for shrimp is slightly less than that of scallops. It’s important not to overcook them, as this can result in a tough and rubbery texture for both seafood options.
What dry white wine for cooking scallops?
When it comes to white wines, Sauvignon Blanc is one of my top picks. This particular type of wine has a distinctively dry texture and is bursting with vibrant notes of citrus, grapefruit, and lemon. Pair it with some fresh sea scallops, and you’ll experience a true culinary delight. The acidity of the wine perfectly complements the delicate flavours of the scallops, allowing them to shine beyond any sauce or seasoning you’ve added to the dish.
What pairs well with shrimp and scallops?
I am tasked with providing insightful musings on different varieties of wine and suggesting compatible dishes to go with each of them. The dishes in question are a tasty assortment, including a delightful Pomegranate and Spinach Salad, a zesty Mango Avocado Salsa, a classic Fettucine Alfredo, a comforting bowl of Warm Tuscan Beans, a hearty Lentil Salad, a creamy helping of Mashed Potatoes, and a tangy Lemon Asparagus Risotto. Let me take you on a journey through a carefully curated selection of wines, all accompanied by their own unique story and perfect pairing suggestions.
What to serve with broiled scallops?
Side dishes are the quiet heroes of any meal. They can complement the flavors of the main dish or create a contrast, but they always add depth and complete the experience. Rice, pasta, potatoes, greens, peas, and beans are all simple and versatile options that can support a wide range of flavors and cuisines. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, a well-chosen side dish can elevate the entire meal.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this shrimp, scallops and mussels in a basil wine sauce recipe is a fantastic seafood dish that will leave you craving for more! With the rich aroma of the fresh basil, this dish comes alive with the combination of the prawns, scallops and mussels. As a sommelier, I would highly recommend pairing this dish with a Sauvignon Blanc, to truly complement the taste of the white wine sauce.
This recipe not only tastes great but also has many variations to suit different palates. For example, for those who prefer creamier sauces, you can switch out the tomato sauce with a tomato cream sauce or garlic cream sauce. Moreover, for those who want to make it spicier, adding chili flakes and spices will do the trick.
Above all, this dish is perfect for special occasions or a romantic evening dinner where seafood pasta is perfect as a side dish. With its sweet aroma and rich taste, you can never go wrong with shrimp, scallops and mussels in a basil wine sauce recipe.
So why not try out this recipe today? It’s easy to make and I guarantee that it will be an absolute hit!
Shrimp, Scallops and Mussels in a Basil Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cloves or 1 teaspoon of fresh minced garlic
- 1/2 cup minced shallot
- 4 ounces butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup chopped scallion
- 1 cup white wine (your preference dry or sweet)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 lbs mussels
- 1/2 lb shrimp
- 1 lb scallops
Instructions
- Melt butter and proceed to saute the garlic and shallots in olive oil until lightly browned.
- Add scallions to the pot and saute for another 5 minutes.
- Mix in the basil, oregano and wine and allow the mixture to slowly simmer on low flame for 5 mintues.
- Add in the mussels, scallops and shrimp and cover. Allow the pot to simmer for 10 minutes until the mussels are open.
- Serve with the bread to soak up the sauce in a deep bowl and enjoy!
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