Demystifying the Delightful Surf & Turf Dish – Shrimp and Scallop Oscar

Seafood and steak lovers alike have likely encountered a dish called “Shrimp and Scallop Oscar” on upscale restaurant menus. But what exactly is this decadent surf and turf recipe all about? In this article, we’ll explore the components, flavor profile, origins and preparation tips for making this palate-pleasing dish at home.

Delectable Main Ingredients

The starring ingredients in Shrimp and Scallop Oscar are

Succulent sea scallops – tender and sweet glazed scallops are the highlight
Plump shrimp – jumbo or colossal shrimp round out the seafood
Premium steak – filet mignon, tenderloin or NY strip make the ideal base
Asparagus – slender green spears add color and balance
Bearnaise sauce – an elegant, buttery lemon-herb sauce pulls it all together

This combining of land and sea makes for a highly craveable symphony of flavors and textures in one impressive dish.

Origins of the Dish Name

So how did Shrimp and Scallop Oscar get its name? There are a few origin stories behind this moniker:

It was created in the 1960s by a Swedish chef honoring King Oscar II’s lavish banquets.
The name refers to “crowning” the steak with decadent seafood, like awarding an Oscar.
It describes how diners react with an “Ooh!” when the visually stunning dish arrives tableside.
The butter-laden sauce is so rich, it’s “award-worthy” for pleasure seekers.

Whatever the genesis, Oscar dishes signify celebratory fine dining luxury. Preparing your own is easier than you think!

Delectable Flavor Combinations

Let’s explore the swirl of scrumptious flavors in a well-composed Shrimp and Scallop Oscar:

Savory steak – the lightly seasoned, juicy steak provides a satisfying meaty base.
Sweet seafood – the succulent scallops and shrimp offer a delicate sweetness.
Peppery notes – from fresh cracked black pepper and spicy mustard in the sauce.
Herbaceous – the tarragon, chervil, parsley, and chives in bearnaise offer brightness.
Tangy – a touch of lemon cuts through the rich butteriness.
Umami – the seafood juices, shallots, and wine reduction lend depth.
Creamy – the smooth, velvety bearnaise sauce ties everything together.

This harmony of land and sea makes for an incredible special occasion meal.

Tips for Preparing at Home

To recreate restaurant-quality Shrimp and Scallop Oscar at home, follow these tips:

Grill or pan sear seasoned filet steaks to desired doneness. Let rest before plating.
Saute sea scallops in butter just until translucent on the inside.
Quickly grill or broil shrimp until just opaque throughout.
Blanch asparagus spears briefly; they should remain crisp-tender.
Warm store-bought or homemade bearnaise sauce gently, adding fresh lemon juice.
Arrange steak on plates topped with scallops and shrimp. Place asparagus alongside.
Ladle hot bearnaise sauce over the top to finish.

With fresh prime ingredients and efficient cooking techniques, you can achieve the ultimate steakhouse flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Shrimp and Scallop Oscar is ready, serve it for maximum enjoyment:

Offer slices of grilled French bread for dipping into the luscious sauce.
Garnish with fresh dill, chives, or lemon wedges.
Pair with a chilled Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine.
Round out the meal with roasted rosemary potatoes or potatoes au gratin.
For a casual twist, serve over creamy risotto instead of steak.

A special surf and turf dinner like this deserves an elegant plating and wine pairing to match.

Indulging in Surf & Turf Decadence

Shrimp and Scallop Oscar brings together the perfect balance of textures, flavors, colors and food groups. Seared beef filet provides a foundation for sweet seafood drenched in velvety bearnaise sauce. It’s truly the best of land and sea in one gratifying dish.

While often reserved for fancy restaurants, you can make your own sensational version at home. Treat someone special – or yourself – to this surf and turf meal bursting with buttery, peppery, savory richness. Every sublime bite says “Oscar-worthy indulgence.” Just be sure to have some antacids ready for the ultimate food coma after!

Spaghetti with Shrimp and Scallops

FAQ

What’s the difference between a scallop and a shrimp?

While shrimps live off of worms, plankton, and other shellfish, scallops consume small plants and animals to survive. Shrimp are classified as crustaceans and are therefore associated with lobsters, crabs, crawfish and the like.

What’s the difference between scallops and scampi?

The seafood is typically sautéed in butter, garlic, and sometimes white wine, and served with a sauce or alongside pasta. To summarize, scallops are a type of mollusk with a distinctive shell, while scampi is a culinary term that typically refers to a preparation style involving langoustines, shrimp, or prawns.

Does scallop taste like shrimp?

What do scallops taste like? Scallops taste like an unfulfilled desire, an unrealized dream. They are delicately fishy, buttery but not oceany like oysters, or meaty like clams or mussels or other shellfish, not rich and chewy like shrimp or squid or octopus, they don’t deliver the bitey surprise of prawns.

Are scallops or shrimp more expensive?

In the end, the choice between diver scallops and shrimp largely comes down to personal preference and budget. Diver scallops have a sweeter, more delicate flavor, but they’re also more expensive. Shrimp is more affordable and has a milder taste, making it a great choice for those on a budget.