Wake-Up Seafood Breakfast For Two

There are mornings, etched in my memory, when the scent of the sea mingles with the gentle hum of a waking kitchen, promising a breakfast that’s far from ordinary. One such memory takes me back to a crisp, coastal morning in Maine, where the ocean air carried the briny promise of fresh catch. My grandmother, a woman whose hands knew the secrets of the sea and the stove, prepared a dish that was both a celebration of the morning’s bounty and a comforting embrace. It wasn’t just food; it was a ritual, a testament to savoring the simple, yet profound, pleasures of life. This dish, a delightful seafood bake, is my homage to those cherished moments, a way to bring a touch of that coastal magic to your own table.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Yield: 1 eight-inch cake pan
• Dietary Type: Contains Eggs, Dairy, Seafood

Ingredients

This recipe celebrates the fresh flavors of seafood, perfectly complemented by vegetables and a touch of cheese.

• 2 teaspoons butter or 2 teaspoons margarine
• 1 plum tomato (Roma), diced
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh mushrooms (canned will do in a pinch)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (use the whole pepper if you like hot stuff)
• 1/4 lb cooked shelled shrimp, preferably large ones (defrost, if frozen)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh cilantro or 1 teaspoon parsley (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Equipment Needed

To bring this delightful seafood breakfast to life, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• An eight-inch cake pan (or a similarly sized oven-safe dish)
• A large nonstick skillet
• A large bowl
• A whisk
• A knife and cutting board for preparing the vegetables

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious and satisfying seafood breakfast that’s perfect for sharing.

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, spray an eight-inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set this prepared pan aside; it will be where our delicious bake comes together.
2. Prepare the eggs: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten. Set this bowl aside for now; these will form the base of our breakfast bake.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter (or margarine) and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the diced tomato, sliced mushrooms, sliced green onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeno pepper to the skillet.
4. Cook the vegetables: Sauté the vegetables for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender. This process softens the vegetables and releases their flavors, creating a delightful base for the bake.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Once the vegetables are tender, transfer this mixture from the skillet directly into the bowl with the beaten eggs. Stir gently to combine everything thoroughly, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed within the egg mixture.
6. Incorporate the seafood and herbs: Now, it’s time to add the stars of our dish. Stir in the cooked shelled shrimp. Then, add the finely chopped fresh basil and the optional chopped cilantro or parsley. Finally, stir in the grated mozzarella cheese. Gently mix everything together until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
7. Bake to perfection: Scrape this entire mixture into the prepared eight-inch cake pan. Ensure the batter is spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. The bake is ready when the eggs are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Serve and enjoy: Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Allow it to cool for just a moment before cutting into squares. Serve immediately and savor the delightful flavors of your wake-up seafood breakfast.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Elevate your seafood breakfast with these professional insights for an even more impressive dish.

• Shrimp Selection: For the best texture and flavor, opt for large or jumbo cooked shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before adding them to the mixture. This helps prevent excess moisture from making the bake watery.
• Herb Power: Fresh herbs are paramount here. Basil adds a sweet, peppery note, while cilantro brings a bright, citrusy zest. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a milder, yet equally lovely, alternative. Don’t be shy with the herbs; their freshness truly elevates the dish.
• Spice Level Control: The jalapeno pepper adds a gentle warmth. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to leave some or all of the seeds in. Conversely, if you’re sensitive to heat, you can remove all the seeds and membranes and even reduce the amount of jalapeno used.
• Mushroom Moisture: When sautéing mushrooms, they tend to release a lot of water. Cook them until this water evaporates and they begin to brown slightly. This concentrates their flavor and prevents a soggy final product.
• Cheese Swap: While mozzarella offers a lovely mild melt, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a Monterey Jack would add a different dimension of flavor. Just ensure you use a cheese that melts well.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This seafood bake is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but it also makes for a satisfying brunch or light lunch.

• Serving: Serve the baked squares warm, perhaps garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. It pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, a light salad, or some crusty toast.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place a square on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. For a crisper texture, you can gently reheat it in a toaster oven or a dry skillet over low heat. Avoid reheating in the microwave for too long, as this can make the eggs rubbery.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious seafood breakfast bake.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	336 kcal	17%
Total Fat	20.8 g	32%
Saturated Fat	9.4 g	47%
Cholesterol	565.6 mg	189%
Sodium	473.4 mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	4.5 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	4%
Sugars	2.5 g	3%
Protein	31.8 g	64%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity.

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even asparagus. Ensure they are cooked until tender before adding to the egg mixture.
• Different Seafood: While shrimp is classic, cooked crab meat, flaked salmon, or even small bay scallops would be delightful additions. Just ensure they are pre-cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Spicy Kick: For a truly fiery breakfast, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce directly into the egg mixture.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of feta, can add a unique flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this seafood breakfast bake ahead of time?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the vegetable sauté and beat the eggs ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine and bake just before serving.

Q: What is the best way to ensure the eggs are fully cooked?
A: The eggs are cooked when the center is firm and no longer jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.

Q: My mushrooms released a lot of water. What did I do wrong?
A: This is a common occurrence with mushrooms. Ensure you cook them until their released liquid has evaporated and they begin to brown slightly. This concentrates their flavor and prevents a watery bake.

Q: Can I substitute the shrimp with a different type of seafood?
A: Absolutely! Cooked crab meat, flaked salmon, or even small scallops work wonderfully as substitutes for shrimp. Just ensure they are pre-cooked and cut into appropriate sizes.

Q: Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
A: To make this dairy-free, you would need to omit the butter and mozzarella cheese. You could use a dairy-free margarine and a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Wake-Up Seafood Breakfast is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and indulge in something truly special. It’s a dish that speaks of comfort, of freshness, and of the joy that can be found in a well-prepared plate. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking to elevate your weekend brunch, this recipe is sure to delight. Give it a try, and let the flavors transport you. I’d love to hear about your experience and any delicious variations you discover!