Christmas Seafood Dinner
Celebrate the festive season with a sumptuous Christmas seafood dinner, featuring elegant dishes like shrimp, scallops, and salmon in a creamy broth, perfect for impressing your guests.
Ingredients
Fresh Seafood
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 pound salmon fillets cut into equal portions
Base and Seasoning
- 2 cups heavy cream can be substituted with coconut cream for dairy-free option
- 3 cups vegetable or seafood stock ensure gluten-free if necessary
- 1 cup white wine (optional) for deglazing
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
Garnishes and Extras
- Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or basil) for garnish
- 1 lemon sliced for garnish
- Crusty bread for serving to soak up the broth
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all the fresh seafood. Rinse the shrimp and scallops under cold water, patting them dry with paper towels. Cut the salmon into equal portions for even cooking. Chop your herbs and squeeze the fresh lemon juice.
Cook the Base
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping any bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add Stock and Cream
- Pour in the vegetable or seafood stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, mixing well to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Introduce Seafood
- Add the shrimp and scallops to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the creamy broth. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turns opaque and the scallops are cooked through.
Add Salmon
- Gently add the salmon pieces to the pot. Cover and let cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and blend beautifully with the surrounding flavors.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- Once the seafood is cooked, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or pepper based on your preference. If you like a hint of acidity, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and carefully ladle the seafood mixture into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices for an appealing presentation.
Perfect Pairings
- Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, creating a complete meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Notes
For an even lighter dish, use low-fat alternatives of cream and increase the stock. Customize based on dietary preferences, with options for gluten-free or vegan diets.