Feast your eyes on a culinary masterpiece that combines delicate flavors and textures in perfect harmony: Zucchini-Wrapped Halibut and Scallops. This tantalizing dish elevates simple ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience. Succulent halibut and tender scallops are lovingly wrapped in thin zucchini slices, adding a touch of vegetal sweetness.
Baked to perfection, the zucchini forms a delicate barrier that locks in the natural juices of the seafood, resulting in a moist and flavorful bite. A symphony of flavors awakens your palate as the sweetness of the zucchini complements the briny notes of the halibut and scallops, while a hint of garlic and herbs adds a touch of savory complexity.
Whether you're hosting a special dinner or seeking a delightful weeknight meal, Zucchini-Wrapped Halibut and Scallops is sure to impress. With its vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas, this dish is a feast for the senses. Dive into the depths of culinary delight and discover a new favorite recipe that will leave you craving for more.
In addition to the main recipe, the article offers a treasure trove of culinary inspiration with three additional variations:
1. **Zucchini-Wrapped Cod with Lemon and Thyme**: This refreshing take on the classic dish introduces the bright citrus notes of lemon and the earthy aroma of thyme, creating a vibrant and aromatic experience.
2. **Zucchini-Wrapped Salmon with Dill and Mustard**: For those who prefer a richer flavor profile, this variation incorporates the bold flavors of dill and mustard, adding a touch of tanginess that balances the richness of the salmon.
3. **Zucchini-Wrapped Shrimp with Feta and Mint**: Seafood lovers will delight in this Mediterranean-inspired recipe, where succulent shrimp are wrapped in zucchini and accented with creamy feta cheese and refreshing mint, resulting in a delightful burst of flavors and textures.
With four delectable recipes to choose from, the article caters to a wide range of preferences and culinary adventures. Embark on a culinary journey and discover your new favorite zucchini-wrapped seafood dish today!
ZUCCHINI-WRAPPED HALIBUT "SCALLOPS"
Provided by Jessica Goldman Foung
Categories Fish Low Sodium Dinner Seafood Halibut Spice Curry Zucchini Pan-Fry Healthy Cumin Paprika Advance Prep Required Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- To prep, mix the ingredients for the two rubs and the glaze in 3 separate bowls. Then, using a vegetable peeler, start peeling along the length of the zucchini, beginning with the green outer layer, creating 1/2-inch-thick ribbons. Rotate the zucchini a quarter-turn after each peel in order to make somewhat even-sized ribbons. Make as many as possible and stop when you get to the seeds. Lay the ribbons out on a plate and sprinkle the zucchini rub on both sides, spreading gently it with your hands until all of the pieces are covered. It doesn't have to be an even coating, but you want every ribbon to have some color and spice.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Dip the halibut chunks into the scallop rub, making sure they are coated on all sides. Tightly wrap a zucchini ribbon around a halibut cube like a belt, so that the ends overlap. Use a toothpick to secure the zucchini and push it through to the other side. Place the wrapped halibut on a plate and repeat the procedure with the remaining fish and zucchini ribbons.
- Now it's time to start on your sauce. Add the spinach to the boiling pot of water and cook for 1 minute. Immediately remove the spinach from the water with a slotted spoon, reserving the cooking liquid, and transfer the spinach to a colander to drain. Rinse with cold water and when cool to the touch, use your hands to tightly squeeze the spinach and wring out the liquid. Do this 4 to 5 times until no water remains. Finely chop the spinach into little green bits and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the flour and whisk until combined, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cream and whisk until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and the chopped spinach and continue to cook for 5 more minutes. The sauce will look thick, like creamed spinach. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting to keep the sauce warm.
- Reheat the water you used to cook the spinach, and bring to a boil. Make sure you have your halibut rounds, the glaze, a plate, a large sheet of foil, and your serving bowl ready to go, because you are about to be moving around your kitchen quickly.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes or according to the instructions on the package. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium heat in a large skillet (nonstick if possible). When the oil starts to hiss and sizzle, place the halibut pieces in the pan in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes. Evenly spread the glaze on the top of the fish and then flip the halibut rounds, cooking the other side for 2 minutes more. Spread more glaze on the top side again, flip, and cook for a final 1 to 2 minutes. The halibut will have a crisp, brown sear on both sides. Put the cooked fish on a clean plate and cover it with foil to keep warm. If you had to split the fish into two batches, repeat until all the halibut rounds are cooked.
- Finally, drain the pasta and put it into a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil so the noodles don't stick together. Add the warm spinach sauce to the pasta and toss.
- To serve, make a nest of the sauced noodles on a plate and top with 4 or 5 "scallops" per guest. Remove the toothpicks and dig in.
SAUTEED SEA SCALLOPS WITH TOMATOES AND ZUCCHINI
Provided by Pierre Franey
Categories dinner, easy, quick, main course
Time 10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Halve each scallop crosswise, if 3/4 inch thick or more. Set aside.
- Trim the ends of the zucchini, and cut them into 1/8-inch slices.
- Drop the tomatoes into boiling water for about 10 seconds to loosen the skins. Remove skins and chop the tomatoes coarsely.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add the zucchini, salt and pepper. Cook about 2 minutes over high heat, stirring and tossing. Remove the zucchini to a plate, and keep them warm.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over high heat and saute the scallops about a minute. Season with salt and pepper while stirring and tossing.
- Add the butter, shallots and garlic. Cook briefly, add the tomatoes, and cook for a minute more. Add the zucchini, lemon juice and rosemary. Cook, stirring and tossing, for a minute over high heat. Blend well. Sprinkle with basil, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 211, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 19 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 634 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams
SEARED CURRIED SCALLOPS WITH ZUCCHINI
Categories Shellfish Vegetable Sauté Dinner Seafood Scallop Curry Zucchini Summer Gourmet Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Remove tough muscle from side of each scallop if necessary. Pat scallops dry and sprinkle with curry powder and salt and pepper to taste. Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sear scallops in 2 batches, adding another 1/2 tablespoon oil if necessary, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Transfer scallops to a plate.
- Add remaining tablespoon oil to skillet, then cook ginger and garlic over moderate heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add zucchini and salt and pepper to taste, then cook, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Return scallops to skillet with any juices accumulated on plate and toss with zucchini just until heated through, about 1 minute.
ZUCCHINI-WRAPPED FISH FILLETS
Steps:
- Shave zucchini lengthwise into very thin ribbons with peeler.
- For each piece of fish, arrange about 5 slices of zucchini on a work surface, side by side, overlapping each slice by half. Brush zucchini with oil, then lightly season with salt and pepper. Lay 2 basil leaves across center of each group of zucchini slices.
- Pat fish dry, then sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper (total) and arrange crosswise on zucchini, covering basil leaves. Top each piece of fish with 2 basil leaves, then wrap zucchini around fish, overlapping ends.
- Put 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet and swirl to coat bottom, then arrange fish, seam sides down, in oil. Lightly brush tops of zucchini and fish with oil.
- Cover skillet and cook fish over medium heat, without turning, until barely cooked through, 6 to 9 minutes, depending on thickness of fillets (fish will continue to cook from residual heat).
- Transfer fish to plates, then stir lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons oil into juices in skillet and season sauce with salt and pepper. Drizzle sauce over fish.
Tips:
- Select firm and fresh zucchini: Choose small to medium-sized zucchini that are firm and blemish-free. Avoid using large ones as they tend to have a higher water content and may become soggy during cooking.
- Blanch the zucchini: Blanching the zucchini before wrapping helps soften them slightly, making them more pliable and easier to work with. It also helps retain their vibrant green color and nutrients.
- Use a variety of fillings: Don't limit yourself to halibut and scallops. Feel free to experiment with different types of fish and seafood, such as salmon, shrimp, or crab. You can also add vegetables, herbs, and spices to create unique flavor combinations.
- Make sure the filling is well-seasoned: The filling is the heart of this dish, so make sure it's packed with flavor. Use a combination of herbs, spices, and citrus to create a well-balanced and flavorful filling.
- Wrap the zucchini tightly: When wrapping the zucchini, make sure it's snugly wrapped around the filling. This will help prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.
- Sear the zucchini packets: Searing the zucchini packets in a pan before baking helps create a nice golden brown crust and lock in the flavors.
- Bake until the zucchini is tender: Bake the zucchini packets until the zucchini is tender and the filling is cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the zucchini and the type of filling used.
Conclusion:
Zucchini-wrapped halibut and scallops is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion. It's also a great way to showcase fresh zucchini and seafood. With its vibrant colors, delicate flavors, and flaky texture, this dish is sure to impress your guests. So next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful seafood dish, give zucchini-wrapped halibut and scallops a try.
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