Imagine creating a restaurant-worthy dish in just 16 minutes that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained in a Michelin-starred kitchen. These Seared Scallops with Jalapeno Vinaigrette are not just a meal, they're a culinary adventure that combines the delicate sweetness of perfectly seared sea scallops with a spicy-tangy vinaigrette that will dance on your taste buds. Get ready to transform your home cooking and impress everyone at your table with this stunning fusion cuisine that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 mins
Total Time: 16 mins
Cuisine: Fusion
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 large sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures a perfect golden sear.
- Season scallops generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cooking.
- In a small bowl, prepare the jalapeno vinaigrette by combining chopped jalapeno, white wine vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Whisk ingredients together and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large stainless steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place scallops in the hot pan, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.
- Gently flip the scallops using tongs and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the second side until they are opaque and have a golden color.
- Remove scallops from the pan and place them on a warm plate. Let them rest for a minute.
- Drizzle the prepared jalapeno vinaigrette over the scallops just before serving, allowing the spicy-sweet dressing to complement the delicate seafood.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or chives if desired.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of a perfect sear - use paper towels to thoroughly dry your scallops before cooking.
- Use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast-iron skillet to ensure even, high-heat cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - scallops should not touch each other while cooking to achieve that beautiful golden crust.
- Watch your heat carefully - medium-high is key to getting a golden exterior without overcooking the delicate interior.
- Let scallops come to room temperature before cooking for more even results.
- Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best flavor and texture.
- The cooking time is quick - about 2-3 minutes per side is all you need to avoid rubbery, overcooked scallops.
- The jalapeno vinaigrette can be prepared ahead of time to make last-minute cooking even easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 234kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
