There’s something truly irresistible about the sizzling sound of scallops and prawns hitting the grill, especially when they’re glazed with a tangy cranberry sauce that balances sweet and savory perfectly. These Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze quickly became my go-to for entertaining—simple to prepare yet packed with sophisticated flavor that never fails to impress. Whether you’re craving a fresh seafood twist or looking to elevate your next dinner party, this recipe is both a crowd-pleaser and delightfully easy to make. Let me take you through how these skewers can transform your kitchen into a flavorful escape that feels both festive and fresh.
Why choose Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze?
Bold Flavors: The tangy cranberry glaze perfectly complements the natural sweetness of scallops and prawns, creating an unforgettable taste. Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy chefs and home cooks alike. Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main, fitting any menu style. Impressive Presentation: Skewers make serving easy and visually appealing for guests. Healthy Choice: Seafood-packed and light, this recipe satisfies without the guilt.
Scallop and Prawn Skewers Ingredients
For the Seafood Skewers
- Scallops – Choose fresh, large sea scallops for a tender, juicy bite that shines with the glaze.
- Prawns – Opt for peeled, deveined medium prawns to cook evenly and add a sweet, briny flavor.
- Olive Oil – A light coating so the seafood sears beautifully without sticking or drying out.
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance the natural seafood taste before glazing.
For the Cranberry Glaze
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – The heart of the glaze, offering a tangy brightness that pairs perfectly in these Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – Adds natural sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and create a glossy finish.
- Balsamic Vinegar – A splash intensifies flavor complexity with a subtle depth and acidity.
- Garlic Clove – Minced, it brings warmth and a slight bite that enhances the glaze’s savory notes.
- Fresh Ginger – Grated for a zesty kick that awakens each skewer bite.
- Water – To gently simmer the glaze to the perfect syrupy consistency.
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Cilantro – Adds a fresh herbal note and vibrant color when sprinkled over finished skewers.
- Lemon Wedges – Serve on the side to squeeze over for a citrus boost that brightens every mouthful.
How to Make Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze
- Prep Skewers: Soak wooden skewers for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Pat scallops and prawns dry, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or a heavy grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F) to ensure even searing and develop beautiful char marks on your skewers.
- Thread Seafood: Thread each skewer by alternating scallops and prawns, leaving about ½-inch of space between each piece so heat circulates evenly and they cook uniformly.
- Cook Skewers: Position skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until scallops turn opaque and prawns become pink with a slight golden char.
For the Glaze:
- Simmer Cranberries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring until berries burst.
- Reduce Glaze: Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, whisking occasionally until the mixture thickens into a glossy, syrupy consistency.
- Brush and Rest: Remove the glaze from heat and brush it generously onto both sides of each skewer. Let skewers rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Optional: sprinkle chopped parsley over skewers for a fresh finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Scallop and Prawn Skewers Variations
Feel free to play around with these ideas to make your skewers uniquely yours and bursting with flavor!
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Citrus Zing: Add slices of lemon or lime to the skewers before grilling for a fresh, zesty punch. The citrus will enhance the seafood’s natural sweetness and brighten every bite.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the cranberry glaze for a spicy twist that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
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Herb-Infused: Marinate the scallops and prawns in a mix of fresh herbs like basil or dill before threading onto skewers. This adds an aromatic layer that elevates the dish.
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Vegetable Boost: Thread colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes alongside your seafood for added texture and flavor. Grilled veggies bring a smoky taste that complements the glaze.
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Smoky Twist: Sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika over the seafood before grilling. The warmth of the smoked flavor rounds out the overall taste and gives a wonderful depth to each skewer.
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Tropical Paradise: Swap out cranberries for fresh pineapple or mango in the glaze for a sweet, tropical flavor explosion that melds perfectly with seafood.
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Creamy Delight: After grilling, drizzle a light coconut cream sauce over the skewers for a rich, creamy touch that pairs decadently with the tangy glaze.
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Mediterranean Flair: Incorporate feta cheese and olives between the seafood pieces on the skewers for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. The salty feta brings another layer of complexity.
Expert Tips for Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze
- Choose Fresh Seafood: Always select fresh scallops and prawns for the best texture and flavor; frozen can work but thaw completely and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
- Avoid Overcooking: Grill seafood just until opaque and firm—overcooking makes scallops rubbery and prawns tough, losing their delicate juiciness.
- Prep Skewers Carefully: Soak wooden skewers beforehand to prevent burning and leave space between seafood pieces for even heat circulation and cooking.
- Glaze Consistency Matters: Simmer the cranberry glaze until thick and syrupy; too thin glaze won’t cling, while too thick can overpower the delicate seafood.
- Brush Glaze at the End: Apply the cranberry glaze after grilling to keep its vibrant flavor and shiny finish without burning on the heat.
- Balance Flavors: Taste your glaze before coating and adjust sweetness or acidity to perfectly complement the scallop and prawn skewers with cranberry glaze.
Make Ahead Options
These Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze are perfect for busy home cooks seeking time-saving meal prep options! You can prep the seafood by seasoning and skewering the scallops and prawns up to 24 hours in advance—just be sure to refrigerate them to maintain freshness. The cranberry glaze can also be made up to 3 days ahead; simply bring it to room temperature before brushing it on the skewers. When you’re ready to serve, grill the skewers for just 6-8 minutes, and they’ll be just as delicious as if cooked fresh! This way, you’ll have an elegant dish ready with minimal effort, making your next dinner gathering a breeze.
What to Serve with Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze?
Transform your meal into a culinary masterpiece that entices the senses and brings everyone to the table!
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Garlic Herb Rice: Fluffy and aromatic, this rice complements the seafood beautifully, soaking up any extra glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
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Mediterranean Salad: Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta add a refreshing crunch, balancing the sweet and tangy notes of the skewers.
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Grilled Asparagus: Charred and tender, these vibrant green spears enhance the dish’s presentation while delivering a subtle earthy contrast.
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Citrus Quinoa: A light, zesty quinoa salad packed with lemon and parsley echoes the freshness of the seafood and intensifies the glaze’s brightness.
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Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized and lightly sautéed, they provide a delightful, low-carb option that complements the skewers while maintaining a fresh taste.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Pinot Grigio harmonizes wonderfully with the sweetness of the glaze, enhancing your dining experience.
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Lemon Sorbet: This light, refreshing dessert cleanses the palate with zesty flavor, offering a perfect ending to your seafood feast.
How to Store and Freeze Scallop and Prawn Skewers
Fridge: Keep any leftover scallop and prawn skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This way, they’ll remain fresh and safe to enjoy later.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the skewers before glazing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, ensuring they maintain their flavor and texture.
Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Warm on a grill or in a hot skillet for a few minutes until heated through—this keeps the seafood succulent and delicious.
Unused Glaze: The cranberry glaze can be stored in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight jar; just reheat gently before serving with your scallop and prawn skewers.
Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best scallops and prawns for this recipe?
Choose fresh, large sea scallops that are firm to the touch with a mild ocean scent—avoid any with dark spots or a strong fishy odor. For prawns, peeled and deveined medium-sized ones are ideal, ensuring they’re also fresh or properly thawed if frozen.
What’s the best way to store leftover skewers?
Store any leftover scallop and prawn skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping them chilled properly preserves their delicate seafood texture and stops them from drying out too quickly.
Can I freeze the skewers, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! For freezing, prepare your skewers without the cranberry glaze. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a sealed freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on a grill or skillet to keep that juicy, tender bite.
What if my glaze is too thin or too thick?
If the glaze turns out too thin, simmer it a bit longer on low heat until it thickens to a syrupy consistency that will beautifully coat the seafood. If it gets too thick, stir in a small splash of water to loosen it up—balance is key to achieving that shiny finish that clings perfectly to your skewers.
Are these skewers safe for people with seafood allergies or pets?
This recipe uses shellfish, so it’s not suitable for those with seafood allergies—always warn guests if serving at a party. Also, avoid feeding prawns or scallops to pets, as shellfish can cause adverse reactions in many animals. For allergy-friendly options, consider grilling veggies or chicken with the same glaze instead!
Easy Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Juicy Cranberry Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak wooden skewers for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Pat scallops and prawns dry, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your grill or a heavy grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
- Thread each skewer by alternating scallops and prawns, leaving about ½-inch of space between each piece.
- Position skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until scallops turn opaque and prawns become pink.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring until berries burst.
- Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, whisking occasionally until the mixture thickens into a glossy consistency.
- Remove the glaze from heat and brush it generously onto both sides of each skewer. Let skewers rest for 2 minutes.
