Easy Juicy Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze Delight

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something truly irresistible about the way scallops and prawns sizzle together over an open flame, their sweetness amplified by the tangy warmth of a cranberry glaze. The first time I tossed these vibrant skewers on the grill, the aroma alone had everyone rushing outside. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a simple yet sophisticated appetizer or craving a fresh twist on seafood night, these Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze deliver bold flavors without hours in the kitchen. Plus, the bright cranberry sauce adds a festive pop that makes each bite feel like a celebration. Ready to turn ordinary seafood into an extraordinary feast? Let’s dive in!

Why choose Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze?

Juicy Delight: Combining tender scallops and succulent prawns creates a perfect seafood duo bursting with natural sweetness. Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and quick assembly make it ideal for busy cooks craving gourmet results. Vibrant Flavor: The tangy cranberry glaze adds a zesty twist that elevates every bite. Grill-Perfect: Skewering ensures even cooking and a beautiful char that’s sure to impress. Elegant Yet Simple: Perfect for entertaining or a special weeknight treat that feels fancy without fuss.

Scallop and Prawn Skewers Ingredients

For the Seafood Skewers

Fresh scallops – Choose dry-packed scallops for a clean, tender bite that grills beautifully.
Large prawns – Opt for peeled and deveined prawns for easy skewering and even cooking.
Olive oil – A light coating helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle richness.
Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood.

For the Cranberry Glaze

Fresh or frozen cranberries – Fresh cranberries burst with tartness, perfect for that tangy glaze punch.
Honey – Balances the tartness with a smooth sweetness.
Balsamic vinegar – Adds depth and a slight acidity to brighten the glaze’s flavor.
Garlic clove – Minced garlic infuses a savory warmth that complements the seafood.

Enjoy prepping these Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze, where each ingredient works in harmony for a delightful seafood treat!

How to Make Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). This ensures even cooking and beautiful golden char marks on your skewers.
Thread Seafood: Thread scallops and prawns alternately onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving a little space for even heat circulation and quick, uniform cooking on each side.
Season Seafood: Brush skewers with olive oil, then sprinkle salt and pepper evenly. This enhances natural sweetness and prevents sticking while grilling.

For the Cranberry Glaze:

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir gently to coat fruits in syrupy goodness.
Simmer Glaze: Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cooking for about 8–10 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens to a glossy texture.
Glaze & Grill: Brush glaze onto both sides of skewers during the final 2 minutes of grilling, turning often until seafood is opaque and edges show a light golden char.
Rest & Serve: Let skewers rest off heat for 2–3 minutes to lock in juices. Serve on a platter with extra cranberry glaze drizzled on top and fresh herbs.

Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley for fresh color and brightness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze

Room Temperature: Serve freshly grilled scallops and prawns immediately for the best taste and texture. Avoid leaving them out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Store any leftover scallop and prawn skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in a microwave or on a grill for best results.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For optimal flavor, reheat skewers on a medium grill for about 4-5 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Enjoy the succulent flavors of your scallop and prawn skewers with cranberry glaze!

Expert Tips for Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze

Choose Dry-Packed Scallops: Avoid wet-packed scallops soaked in preservatives for the best texture and grilling results.
Soak Wooden Skewers: Prevent burning by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Even Seafood Sizes: Select scallops and prawns of similar size to ensure uniform cooking and avoid undercooked or overcooked bites.
Don’t Overcook: Seafood cooks quickly; remove skewers once scallops turn opaque and prawns pink for juicy perfection.
Brush Glaze at the End: Apply cranberry glaze during the last minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars and retain vibrant flavor.
Rest Before Serving: Let skewers rest briefly after grilling to lock in juices and enhance the scallop and prawn skewers with cranberry glaze’s rich taste.

Make Ahead Options

These Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify meal prep! You can prepare the cranberry glaze up to 3 days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its vibrant flavor. Additionally, you can thread the scallops and prawns onto skewers up to 24 hours ahead; refrigerate them covered until you’re ready to grill. When you’re ready to serve, simply brush the prepped skewers with olive oil and season, then grill for about 6-8 minutes, glazing during the last moments for that perfect char. This way, you’ll achieve delicious results with minimal effort, saving precious time for your busy weeknights!

Variations & Substitutions for Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze

Customize your dish with these delightful twists that enhance flavor and cater to your preferences!

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the cranberry glaze for a zesty heat that elevates the dish. The warm spice beautifully complements the sweetness of the glaze.
Citrus Zing: Mix in some fresh lime or lemon juice to the glaze for a refreshing citrusy brightness. This adds a vibrant contrast that enhances the seafood’s natural flavors.
Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro in the glaze. These aromatic additions offer a burst of freshness, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Teriyaki Infusion: Swap the cranberry glaze for a homemade teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist. The rich, sweet-and-salty flavor creates a delightful umami experience.
Vegetarian Skewers: Replace seafood with firm tofu cubes and vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Marinate and grill for a deliciously hearty vegetarian option.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, over the finished skewers for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the glaze beautifully.
Smoky Flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika to the seasoning for a deeper, smoky undertone that pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood.
Fruit Accents: Use pineapple or mango chunks on the skewers. Their juicy sweetness caramelizes beautifully during grilling, adding flavor contrast and a tropical twist.

What to Serve with Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze?

Transform your grilling experience into a delightful feast that sings with flavors and textures.

Zesty Couscous: Fluffy couscous with lemon zest adds a light, refreshing complement to the juicy skewers, balancing their richness.
Grilled Asparagus: Tender, charred asparagus drizzled with olive oil enhances the dish’s elegance and provides a satisfying crunch against the soft seafood.
Citrus Salad: A vibrant salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a tangy vinaigrette brings brightness and helps cut through the sweetness of the glaze.
Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fragrant rice pilaf, infused with fresh herbs like parsley and dill, creates a warm, comforting base that blends beautifully with the savory seafood.
Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery garlic bread serves as the perfect vessel for mopping up excess cranberry glaze, making each bite even more delightful.
Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay, with its fruity notes and crisp acidity, pairs beautifully, enhancing the seafood’s natural flavors.

Imagine a table brimming with these delicious sides to create a memorable dining experience!

Scallop and Prawn Skewers with Cranberry Glaze Recipe FAQs

How do I pick the freshest scallops and prawns for the skewers?
Look for dry-packed scallops that are firm with a mild sea scent—avoid any with a strong fishy smell or dark spots all over. For prawns, choose peeled and deveined ones with a translucent appearance and no black spots on the shell. Freshness truly makes a difference in flavor and texture!

What’s the best way to store leftover scallop and prawn skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally within 2 hours of cooking, and enjoy within 2 days. Keeping them cold slows bacterial growth and preserves that juicy seafood flavor. When reheating, use a grill or oven for best texture instead of microwaving.

Can I freeze the skewers, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your scallop and prawn skewers, first let them cool completely after grilling. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a sealed freezer bag, squeezing out air before sealing. Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on a grill or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes.

What if my scallops turn rubbery or my prawns overcook while grilling?
This happens when seafood cooks too long or at too high heat. To avoid that, grill on medium-high heat and remove skewers as soon as scallops are opaque and prawns turn pink—usually just 2–3 minutes per side. Rest the skewers 2–3 minutes off the heat to let juices redistribute for tender bites.

Are these skewers safe for pets if I want to share a small piece?
While seafood like scallops and prawns can be given in moderation to some dogs, it’s best to avoid glazing them with cranberry sauce due to added sugar and vinegar. Always remove seasonings and serve plain seafood in small portions to avoid upsetting your pet’s stomach. If you have allergies, especially shellfish, steer clear of this recipe altogether.