Gourmet Salmon and Scallop Seafood Recipes

Seafood is a favorite food that most people don't get to eat every day and is a great idea for a special meal or party. Here are 2 gourmet seafood recipes you can prepare for your party, whether it is a baby shower, bridal party, or just a special dinner.

Seared Scallops on Baby Spinach with Lemon Vinaigrette

10 medium sized sea scallops

4 tbsp. butter

4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

Heat a large skillet on medium high. Melt butter in pan and add olive oil. Salt and pepper both sides of the scallop. Lay scallops into the hot pan, searing until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Set aside on paper towel to drain and cool.

For the salad and vinaigrette, you'll need:

1 lb. fresh, baby spinach

1 lb. oyster mushrooms

Half cup roasted pumpkin seeds

2 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice (do not use bottled juice)

1 tbsp. lemon rind

1 tsp. Dijon country mustard

One half tsp. garlic powder

One half tsp. kosher or sea salt

One fourth tsp. fresh ground pepper

One fourth cup extra virgin olive oil

Mix first six ingredients together well. Then, slowly drizzle in olive oil and whisk briskly to incorporate into a thick, yellow vinaigrette. To arrange the dish, toss baby spinach and oyster mushrooms together with the vinaigrette. Arrange in a small mound in the middle of the plate. Slice scallops in half and serve one or two seared side up. Scatter roasted pumpkin seeds over the top and serve.

Roasted and Broiled Salmon with Mango Coulis

2 lbs. fresh Atlantic or Sockeye salmon, cut into 1 inch filets

2 lemons, juiced and zested

Seasoned salt (McCormick's, Lawry's, Aunt Cora's, etc.)

8 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped finely

8-10 tsp. Gulden's Spicy Mustard

2 cups dried plain bread crumbs

Butter or Olive Oil flavored cooking spray

Parchment paper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove any pin bones from salmon filets. Zest lemons and set aside. Place salmon in a dish and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Let it marinade for 30-45 minutes. Place salmon on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and cooking spray. Sprinkle top with generous amount of seasoning salt. Then, spread one teaspoon of spicy brown mustard over the top and smooth out with a knife. Toss fresh garlic over the mustard and then cover with one fourth cup of dried plain bread crumbs. Repeat for all pieces of salmon. Carefully and slowly spray the top of the bread crumbs with a layer of cooking spray. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Then, broil for 5-10 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Mango Coulis

1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into cubes

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp. honey

Half a cup orange juice

One fourth tsp. ground cinnamon

One fourth tsp. ground allspice

One fourth tsp. ground nutmeg

One eighth tsp. cayenne pepper (more or less, depending on how much heat you want)

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor until smooth. Spoon onto plate and place cooked salmon on top. Add a side of mashed potatoes to finish off the dish. These two dishes will be a sure hit, whether you are hosting a party, a formal event, or just making a special dinner.

Criss White is a professional writer that writes about food and other party planning topics like baby shower recipes and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and cooking when not writing.

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