Are you a seafood lover looking for a new dish to try? Look no further than Shrimp and Scallop Oscar!
This classic dish has been served with various proteins, but the combination of succulent shrimp and scallops is truly a match made in heaven. Topped with a rich and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds.
In this article, we’ll dive into the history of Oscar sauce and how to make it at home. Get ready to elevate your seafood game with Shrimp and Scallop Oscar!
What Is Shrimp And Scallop Oscar?
Shrimp and Scallop Oscar is a dish that originated from the classic Oscar sauce. The sauce was named after King Oscar II of Sweden, who was known for his love of the ingredients used in this dish.
Traditionally, Oscar sauce was served with veal, but over time, it has been paired with various proteins such as steak, fish, poultry, and shellfish like shrimp or lobster. The dish typically consists of a protein (in this case, shrimp and scallops), asparagus spears, and a lump of white crab meat topped with hollandaise or bearnaise sauce.
The combination of sweet and succulent shrimp and scallops with the rich and creamy sauce makes for a truly decadent dish. It’s no wonder that Shrimp and Scallop Oscar has become a popular choice for seafood lovers.
The History Of Oscar Sauce
Oscar sauce is a classic French sauce that was first served in 1897. It consists of sautéed veal cutlets topped with crab or lobster meat and an emulsified butter sauce such as Hollandaise or Béarnaise. The dish was said to have been named after King Oscar II of Sweden, who was known for his love of the ingredients used in this dish.
Over time, the dish has evolved and has been paired with various proteins, including steak, fish, poultry, and shellfish like shrimp or lobster. The sauce has also been adapted to include different flavors, such as adding spice with cayenne pepper or Tabasco.
Hollandaise sauce is the foundation of Oscar sauce, made with an egg yolk mixture emulsified with butter and acid (typically lemon juice). Béarnaise sauce is a variation of Hollandaise sauce that adds vinegar, tarragon, and shallot. These sauces are known as “mother sauces” in French cuisine because they are the basis for many other sauces.
Today, Oscar sauce is still a popular choice for surf and turf dishes, and its rich and creamy flavor continues to be enjoyed by food lovers around the world.
The Perfect Pairing: Shrimp And Scallops
When it comes to wine pairings for Shrimp and Scallop Oscar, there are a few options to consider. As mentioned earlier, the flavor profile of shrimp is not as aggressive as that of lobster, so a light and crisp white wine will do the trick. Sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco are always a good choice, especially if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion.
For shrimp cooked with garlic or a spicier sauce, Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent option. The herbaceous and citrusy notes in the wine complement the flavors of the dish perfectly. On the other hand, if you’re serving your Shrimp and Scallop Oscar with a more robust sauce like Romesco, a fruity and full-bodied Rose will do the trick.
When it comes to scallops, a full-bodied Chardonnay or dry Champagne is an excellent pairing. The rich and buttery flavor of scallops pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of Chardonnay. If you’re looking for something different, try an Albariño from Spain. The wine’s citrus and grapefruit notes complement the sweet and mild flavors of scallops.
For raw scallops, consider pairing them with a Spanish Albariño or a dry white wine like Pinot Gris or Riesling. These wines have enough acidity and minerality to cut through the rich texture of raw scallops without overpowering their subtle flavors.
How To Make Shrimp And Scallop Oscar At Home
If you’re looking to impress your dinner guests with a restaurant-quality dish, Shrimp and Scallop Oscar is a great option. Here’s how to make it at home:
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb scallops, cleaned and patted dry
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
– 1 can lump crab meat
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp pepper
– 1/2 cup flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
– 1 tsp granulated garlic
– Oil for frying
– Hollandaise sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, Creole seasoning, and granulated garlic. Season the shrimp and scallops with salt and pepper, then dredge them in the flour mixture. Reserve the remaining flour mixture for another use.
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F. Fry the shrimp and scallops until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
3. Meanwhile, steam the asparagus until tender-crisp.
4. In a small saucepan, heat the crab meat with a tablespoon of butter until warm.
5. To assemble the dish, place the steamed asparagus on a plate. Top with the fried shrimp and scallops, then spoon hollandaise sauce over the top. Finish with a spoonful of warm crab meat and sprinkle with chopped chives.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Shrimp and Scallop Oscar!
Tips For Serving And Enjoying Shrimp And Scallop Oscar
If you’re planning to serve Shrimp and Scallop Oscar for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party, here are some tips to make sure you enjoy this dish to the fullest:
1. Choose fresh seafood: The key to making a delicious Shrimp and Scallop Oscar is using fresh seafood. Make sure to buy high-quality shrimp and scallops from a reputable source.
2. Cook the seafood just right: Overcooking or undercooking the seafood can ruin the dish. The shrimp and scallops should be cooked until just opaque and tender.
3. Prepare the asparagus carefully: The asparagus spears should be trimmed and steamed until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Make sure not to overcook them, or they will become mushy.
4. Use a good quality sauce: The sauce is an essential component of Shrimp and Scallop Oscar. Use a homemade hollandaise or bearnaise sauce, or choose a high-quality pre-made sauce.
5. Serve immediately: Shrimp and Scallop Oscar is best served hot, straight out of the oven or off the stove. Make sure to plate the dish and serve it immediately for the best taste and texture.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and impressive Shrimp and Scallop Oscar that your guests will love. Enjoy!
Variations Of Shrimp And Scallop Oscar To Try
If you’re a fan of seafood and love the sound of Shrimp and Scallop Oscar, then you’ll be happy to know that there are several variations of this dish that you can try. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Grilled Shrimp and Scallop Oscar – Instead of pan-frying or sautéing the shrimp and scallops, try grilling them for a smoky flavor. Serve them on a bed of steamed asparagus and top with a generous helping of hollandaise or bearnaise sauce.
2. Lobster and Scallop Oscar – If you’re feeling extra fancy, why not swap out the shrimp for some succulent lobster meat? This variation is sure to impress your dinner guests.
3. Chicken Oscar – For a lighter option, try making Chicken Oscar. Simply pan-fry some chicken breasts and serve them with steamed asparagus and hollandaise or bearnaise sauce.
4. Vegetarian Oscar – If you’re vegetarian or looking for a meatless option, try using portobello mushrooms instead of protein. Grill or sauté the mushrooms and serve them with steamed asparagus and hollandaise or bearnaise sauce.
5. Surf and Turf Oscar – Combine the best of both worlds by serving a steak or beef tenderloin alongside your Shrimp and Scallop Oscar. Drizzle the entire plate with hollandaise or bearnaise sauce for a truly indulgent meal.
No matter which variation you choose, Shrimp and Scallop Oscar is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or special occasion.
