This savory Scallop Tostadas recipe brings seaside flavors to the comfort of your home. With fresh scallops, a homemade guacamole, and a dash of sour cream, this dish is a delightful blend of textures and flavors guaranteed to impress your taste buds.
While most of the ingredients listed should be readily available in your home or local supermarket, scallops may require a visit to a seafood store or a supermarket with a fresh seafood section. Also, corn tostada shells can be found in the Latin food aisle.
Ingredients for Scallop Tostadas
Haas avocado: The base for the homemade guacamole. Opt for ripe avocados for a creamy guacamole.
Tomato: Adds a fresh and tart flavor to balance the richness of the avocado.
Red onion: Adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor to the guacamole.
Lime juice: Adds tanginess to the guacamole.
Cilantro: Brings a herby freshness to the guacamole.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a slight heat to the dish.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess to the tostada.
Sea scallops: The star of the dish, which brings in the sea's flavor.
Butter: Used to sear the scallops, adding a rich flavor.
Olive oil: Used alongside butter to sear the scallops.
Corn tostada shells: The crunchy base of the tostada.
One reader, Barrett Newman says:
This scallop tostadas recipe is a game-changer! The combination of creamy guacamole, perfectly seared scallops, and crunchy tostada shells is a burst of flavors and textures. It's a delightful dish that's easy to make and impresses every time. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Scallop Tostadas
How to prepare guacamole: Mash the avocado in a small bowl with tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
How to sear scallops: Season scallops with salt and black pepper. Add the butter and oil to a 12-inch skillet on high heat. Once the butter begins to smoke, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching each other. Sear the scallops for 1½ minutes on each side. The scallops should have a ¼-inch golden crust on each side while still being translucent in the center.
How to assemble tostadas: Spoon the guacamole onto the tostada, top with scallops, and drizzle with sour cream.
How To Make Scallop Tostadas
This scallop tostada easy to make. Made of corn tostada shells, pan-fried scallops, and guacamole. You can also have this with salad for a low-carb meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Guacamole:
- 4ozhaas avocado,(1 small)
- ¼cuptomato,diced
- 2tbspred onion,diced
- 2tsplime juice
- 2tspcilantro,chopped
- ½tspkosher salt
- fresh black pepper,to taste
For the Tostadas:
- 2tbsplight sour cream,thinned with 1 teaspoon of fat-free milk
- 6large sea scallops,(8 oz total) side muscle removed, rinsed, and pat dry
- ¼tspkosher salt
- black pepper,to taste
- 1tspunsalted butter
- 1tspolive oil
- 2large corn tostada shells
Instructions
-
Mash the avocado in a small bowl with tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
-
Season scallops with salt and black pepper. Add the butter and oil to a 12-inch skillet on high heat. Once the butter begins to smoke, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching each other.
-
Sear the scallops for 1½ minutes on each side. The scallops should have a ¼-inch golden crust on each side while still being translucent in the center.
-
Spoon the guacamole onto the tostada, top with scallops, and drizzle with sour cream.
Nutrition
- Calories: 311.96kcal
- Fat: 18.04g
- Saturated Fat: 4.78g
- Trans Fat: 0.11g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.85g
- Carbohydrates: 22.45g
- Fiber: 5.49g
- Sugar: 1.41g
- Protein: 17.45g
- Cholesterol: 38.08mg
- Sodium: 587.53mg
- Calcium: 54.80mg
- Potassium: 669.45mg
- Iron: 1.25mg
- Vitamin A: 41.59µg
- Vitamin C: 10.70mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Scallop Tostadas
When searing scallops, it's crucial to have your pan really hot. This ensures a nice golden crust on the scallops while keeping the center tender and juicy. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan as it can lower the temperature and cause the scallops to steam rather than sear.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Scallop Tostadas
Prep ahead: Prepare the guacamole and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also season the scallops in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
Use pre-made tostada shells: Save time by using store-bought tostada shells instead of making them from scratch. This will cut down on preparation time and make the recipe quicker and easier to assemble.
Multi-task: While the scallops are searing, you can assemble the guacamole on the tostada shells. This allows you to efficiently use your time and get the dish ready to serve more quickly.
Organize ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are organized and easily accessible. This will streamline the cooking process and help you work more efficiently in the kitchen.
Quick sear: Sear the scallops at a high temperature for a short amount of time to achieve a golden crust while keeping the centers translucent. This quick cooking method saves time and ensures perfectly cooked scallops.
Substitute Ingredients For Scallop Tostadas Recipe
haas avocado - Substitute with mashed peas: Mashed peas can provide a similar creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making it a suitable alternative for guacamole.
sea scallops - Substitute with king oyster mushrooms: King oyster mushrooms have a meaty texture and a mild umami flavor, making them a great vegetarian alternative for scallops in this recipe.
light sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, serving as a healthier alternative to sour cream in the tostadas.
corn tostada shells - Substitute with whole grain tostada shells: Whole grain tostada shells offer a nuttier flavor and added nutritional benefits, making them a wholesome substitute for traditional corn tostada shells.
Presentation Ideas for Scallop Tostadas
Elevate the guacamole: Create a smooth and creamy guacamole, ensuring it is well-seasoned and perfectly balanced with the flavors of the avocado, tomato, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro.
Perfect the sear on the scallops: Achieve a flawless golden crust on the scallops while ensuring they are tender and succulent on the inside, creating a delightful contrast in texture.
Arrange with precision: Artfully place the tostada on the plate, ensuring it is visually appealing and inviting. The placement of each component should be deliberate and aesthetically pleasing.
Drizzle with finesse: Apply the sour cream in a delicate and precise manner, adding a touch of elegance to the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
Garnish with a touch of green: Add a sprig of fresh cilantro or microgreens to provide a pop of color and a hint of freshness, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Consider the plate: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the dish and allows the vibrant hues of the guacamole and scallops to stand out, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Scallop Tostadas
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It consists of a motor-driven base and various attachments for different functions.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a kitchen essential used for combining ingredients, marinating, or storing food. It comes in various sizes and materials such as stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
- Skillet: A skillet, also known as a frying pan, is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It typically has a long handle and sloped sides.
- Chef's knife: A chef's knife is a versatile, all-purpose knife with a broad blade that tapers to a point. It is used for slicing, dicing, and chopping a variety of ingredients.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting, chopping, and slicing ingredients. It helps protect countertops and keeps knives sharp.
- Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer is a tool specifically designed for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges. It efficiently separates the juice from the pulp and seeds.
- Tongs: Tongs are a kitchen utensil with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for gripping and lifting items. They are essential for flipping, turning, and serving foods.
- Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure small amounts of ingredients such as spices, salt, and baking powder. They typically come in sets with various spoon sizes.
- Spatula: A spatula is a flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients. It is commonly used for cooking tasks such as flipping pancakes or scraping bowls.
- Lime squeezer: A lime squeezer is a handheld tool designed to extract juice from limes. It efficiently squeezes the lime halves to yield maximum juice without seeds.
How To Reheat Leftover Scallop Tostadas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover scallop tostadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the tostada shells are crispy and the scallops are heated through. This method will help maintain the texture of the tostada shells while gently reheating the scallops.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can use a microwave. Place the scallop tostadas on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-45 seconds. Check the temperature and continue heating in 15-second intervals until the scallops are warm and the tostada shells are slightly softened. Be careful not to overheat, as the scallops may become rubbery.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the scallop tostadas in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the tostadas in the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tostada shells are crispy and the scallops are heated through. This method will give you a result similar to freshly made tostadas.
If you want to reheat the components separately, remove the scallops and guacamole from the tostada shells. Heat the scallops in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil for 1-2 minutes per side. Warm the guacamole in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Place the tostada shells in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up, then reassemble the scallop tostadas.
Interesting Fact About Scallop Tostadas
Scallops are a great source of magnesium, which is essential for maintaining a healthy heart rhythm and supporting muscle and nerve function.
Is Making Scallop Tostadas at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this scallop tostadas recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients in your area. Scallops can be a pricier ingredient, but when balanced with the other components, the dish can still be considered cost-effective for a special meal. The haas avocado, sea scallops, and tostada shells are the main cost drivers. On a scale of 1-10, considering the quality and flavors, this recipe rates a solid 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $35-$40, making it a reasonable option for a special dinner.
Are Scallop Tostadas Healthy or Unhealthy?
The scallop tostadas recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Here's a breakdown:
Healthy components:
- Avocado is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins
- Tomatoes provide lycopene and vitamin C
- Red onion contains antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar levels
- Lime juice is a good source of vitamin C and aids in iron absorption
- Cilantro offers vitamins A and K, and may help remove heavy metals from the body
- Scallops are low in calories and high in protein, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids
Less healthy components:
- Sour cream adds saturated fat and calories
- Butter and olive oil contribute to the overall fat content
- Corn tostada shells are typically fried and high in calories and carbohydrates
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative
- Use a minimal amount of butter and olive oil when searing the scallops, or opt for cooking spray instead
- Choose baked or air-fried corn tostada shells to reduce the calorie and fat content
- Add more vegetables to the guacamole, such as diced bell peppers or jalapeños, to increase the nutrient density
- Serve the tostadas with a side salad or a colorful slaw for added fiber and vitamins
Additionally, you could experiment with using lettuce wraps or cucumber slices as a low-carb alternative to the corn tostada shells. This would significantly reduce the calorie and carbohydrate content of the dish while still providing a satisfying crunch.
Editor's Opinion on Scallop Tostadas Recipe
The combination of seared scallops, creamy guacamole, and tangy sour cream on a crispy tostada creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the scallops to shine, while the guacamole adds a refreshing and zesty element. This recipe is a perfect balance of elegance and simplicity, making it a delightful appetizer or light meal option. The quick sear on the scallops ensures a tender and succulent bite, while the guacamole provides a creamy and flavorful base. Overall, this scallop tostadas recipe is a winner for any occasion.
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Why trust this Scallop Tostadas Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with sea scallops that are seared to perfection, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite. The guacamole is made with fresh haas avocado, tomato, and red onion, providing a burst of vibrant flavors. The combination of lime juice and cilantro adds a zesty and aromatic touch. With the careful selection of ingredients and precise cooking instructions, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable and satisfying culinary experience.
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