Seafood & Lamb Chop Feast Cup – A Gourmet Tower in a Glass 🦐🥦🥩
If you’re craving fine-dining flavor but want a presentation that turns heads, meet your new obsession: the Seafood & Lamb Chop Feast Cup. Served elegantly in a clear takeout cup, this layered beauty features seared lamb chops, garlicky shrimp, buttery crab legs, creamy herb sauce, and vibrant broccoli florets. It’s rich, show-stopping, and surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen. Ideal for date nights, upscale events, or when you just want to treat yourself.
What Is a Feast Cup? 🎯
A “feast cup” is a visually layered, portable gourmet meal served in a cup, often combining luxury ingredients with flavorful sauces and vegetables. This format has gone viral for good reason—it’s functional, Instagram-worthy, and perfect for grazing without utensils (or at least with a small fork!).
Ingredients
- 2 lamb chops
- 200 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 crab legs, cleaned and split
- 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken or seafood broth
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season & sear lamb chops: Rub with salt, pepper, rosemary, and a touch of olive oil. Sear in a hot skillet 3–4 minutes per side until browned and glossy. Brush with garlic butter while hot.
- Sauté shrimp: In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic, paprika, and lemon juice. Cook shrimp until pink and flavorful. Remove and set aside.
- Steam crab legs: Steam or boil until heated through. Toss in garlic butter for shine.
- Blanch broccoli: Cook in salted boiling water for 2 minutes. Immediately shock in ice water to preserve color and crunch.
- Create sauce: In a pan, combine butter, garlic, broth, and cream. Simmer on low until thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the feast cup: Spoon creamy sauce into the bottom of a clear takeout cup. Layer lamb chops, then shrimp, crab legs, and tuck broccoli around the sides. Drizzle with more sauce.
- Garnish & serve: Top with chopped parsley. Serve warm with a small fork or tongs.
Chef Insights 🧑🍳
Chef Gordon Ramsay advises: “Searing lamb properly is key. You want a rich crust and juicy center. Don’t skip resting the meat before assembly—it keeps the juices in.”
Ree Drummond says: “Feast cups are a great way to control portion sizes while still feeling indulgent. You can make these ahead and keep them warm in the oven!”
Chef Bobby Flay suggests: “Infuse the cream sauce with shrimp shells before adding the cream for deeper seafood flavor—just strain before use.”
Health & Safety Tips
- Seafood safety: Always cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Use crab legs that are pre-cooked or steam until heated to 145°F (63°C).
- Lamb chops: Internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare; let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Storage: These cups are best served fresh, but can be stored refrigerated for 1 day. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking seafood.
- Allergies: This dish contains shellfish and dairy—ensure guests are informed if serving at gatherings.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
Ingredient | Amount | Key Nutrients | Health Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Lamb Chops | 2 pieces (~6 oz) | Protein, Zinc, Iron | Supports red blood cell production and muscle health |
Shrimp | 200 g | Protein, Selenium, B12 | Promotes immune function and metabolism |
Crab Legs | 2 legs | Omega-3s, Zinc | Good for brain health and inflammation control |
Broccoli | 1 cup | Vitamin C, Fiber | Boosts immunity and aids digestion |
Heavy Cream | ½ cup | Fat, Vitamin A | Enhances absorption of fat-soluble vitamins |
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all components and assemble just before serving. Reheat sauce and seafood gently before layering.
2. Can I substitute the lamb?
Absolutely. Try grilled chicken, filet mignon medallions, or even tofu steaks for a vegetarian option.
3. What kind of cup should I use?
Clear takeout cups or mason jars work best. Choose one with enough depth to stack layers without spilling.
4. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for best texture.
5. How long does this dish keep?
Best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers for up to 1 day in the fridge. Reheat on low heat to preserve texture.
6. What sides go well with this?
Crusty bread, rice pilaf, or mashed potatoes pair nicely with the rich sauce and proteins.
7. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s high in protein and healthy fats. Omit the broth if it’s not low-carb, or replace with bone broth.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—scale up ingredients proportionally. Cook meats in batches for even searing.
9. Can I use canned crab?
You can, but for the best presentation and flavor, fresh or frozen crab legs are ideal.
10. What’s a good wine pairing?
Try a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Lamb also pairs well with Merlot or Syrah if you prefer red.
Related Recipes on FreshTonerHungar 🧂
- Buttery Lobster Tail Bites – Indulgent and easy-to-make seafood treats with garlic and herbs.
- Garlic Herb Lamb Skewers – Juicy, grilled lamb with Mediterranean flair.
- Seafood Cup Stackers – Perfect appetizers layered with shrimp, crab, and aioli in stylish cups.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood & Lamb Chop Feast Cup brings elegance to your fingertips. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party, planning a romantic night in, or just exploring gourmet flavors at home, this creative recipe is sure to turn heads and satisfy appetites. With its eye-catching presentation and bold, buttery flavor, this dish is more than a meal—it’s an experience. 🌟