Imagine the burst of tangy, sweet clementine sauce complementing the buttery taste of perfectly seared sea scallops. This indulgent dish, seared sea scallops with clementine sauce, showcases the delicate flavor of the sea and adds a touch of citrusy intrigue. It's a gourmet recipe that's surprisingly simple to put together.
Scallops might not be your everyday ingredient, but these sea gems are definitely worth the trip to the supermarket or your local fishmonger. Make sure to select large sea scallops for this recipe as they have a meatier texture and hold up well to searing. Ancho chili powder is another ingredient to look out for. It offers a sweet, mild heat to the clementine sauce. And speaking of clementines, juice them fresh for the best flavor.
Ingredients for Seared Sea Scallops with Clementine Sauce
Clementine juice or orange juice: The base of the sauce. It is tangy, sweet, and refreshing.
Ancho chili powder: Adds a sweet and mild heat to the sauce.
Lime juice: Gives a tangy twist to the sauce.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce, making it velvety smooth.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used for searing the scallops, it adds a hint of fruitiness.
Sea scallops: The star of the dish. They are meaty, tender, and have a delicate sea flavor.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavors of the scallops and the sauce.
One reader, Alex Zink says:
The seared sea scallops with clementine sauce recipe is a game-changer! The tangy clementine sauce perfectly complements the succulent scallops. The dish is easy to prepare and looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant meal. It's a definite winner for any special occasion or a luxurious dinner at home.
Techniques Required for Seared Sea Scallops with Clementine Sauce
How to make the clementine sauce: In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring clementine juice, chili powder, and lime zest and juice to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, one piece at a time, until fully incorporated.
How to sear the scallops: In a large skillet over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil until smoking. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Cook 10 scallops at a time for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they are dark golden brown. Remove the scallops to paper towels to drain. Repeat the process with the remaining oil and scallops in 3 batches.
How to serve: Serve the seared scallops hot with the warm clementine sauce.
How To Make Seared Sea Scallops With Clementine Sauce
This seared sea scallops recipe is made of large sea scallops cooked in olive oil and seasoning, paired with a dipping sauce made from clementine juice.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 4cupsclementine juice,or orange juice, fresh squeezed
- 2tspancho chili powder
- 1lime juice,zest finely grated
- ¾butter stick
For the Scallops:
- ½cupextra virgin olive oil
- 40large sea scallops
- salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring clementine juice, chili powder, and lime zest, and juice to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour; mixture should be thickened and syrupy.
-
Remove from heat and whisk in butter, one piece at a time, until incorporated.
-
In a large skillet over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil until smoking. Season scallops with salt and pepper.
-
Cook 10 scallops 1 to 2 minutes per side, until dark golden brown. Remove paper towels and drain. Repeat with remaining oil and scallops in 3 batches.
-
Serve scallops hot with warm sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 78.47kcal
- Fat: 4.69g
- Saturated Fat: 1.52g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.42g
- Carbohydrates: 4.06g
- Fiber: 0.15g
- Sugar: 2.48g
- Protein: 5.01g
- Cholesterol: 14.16mg
- Sodium: 165.03mg
- Calcium: 8.92mg
- Potassium: 133.24mg
- Iron: 0.26mg
- Vitamin A: 20.18µg
- Vitamin C: 7.99mg
Pro Tip for Perfectly Seared Scallops
When searing scallops, it's crucial to have your pan very hot before adding them. This will ensure a nice, golden crust forms quickly without overcooking the delicate interior. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan as this can cause the scallops to steam rather than sear. If necessary, cook them in batches to maintain the high heat of the pan.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Scallop Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the clementine sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, ensure all ingredients and cooking equipment are organized and readily accessible. This will streamline the cooking process.
Quick sear: Sear the scallops in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring they cook quickly and evenly.
Multi-task: While the sauce is simmering, start preparing the scallops to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Quality ingredients: Use high-quality sea scallops and fresh clementine juice for the best flavor and results.
Precision seasoning: Season the scallops with salt and pepper just before cooking to ensure they are perfectly seasoned.
Substitute Ingredients For Seared Sea Scallops With Clementine Sauce Recipe
clementine juice or orange juice - Substitute with tangerine juice: Tangerine juice has a similar citrusy flavor to clementine and orange juice, and can provide a slightly different but equally delicious taste to the sauce.
ancho chili powder - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a similar smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce, complementing the sweetness of the clementine juice.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a tangy and citrusy flavor similar to lime juice, enhancing the brightness of the dipping sauce.
butter stick - Substitute with ghee: Ghee, a clarified butter, can be used as a substitute for regular butter, providing a rich and nutty flavor to the dipping sauce.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable substitute for searing the sea scallops without overpowering their delicate taste.
sea scallops - Substitute with jumbo shrimp: Jumbo shrimp can be a delicious alternative to sea scallops, offering a similar texture and mild seafood flavor for the dish.
Plating Ideas for Seared Scallops with Citrus Sauce
Perfectly seared scallops: Ensure the scallops are perfectly seared to a golden brown, with a caramelized crust and a tender, succulent interior.
Artful drizzling of clementine sauce: Skillfully drizzle the clementine sauce on the plate, creating an artful and visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with microgreens: Add a delicate touch by garnishing the dish with vibrant and fresh microgreens to elevate the visual appeal and add a pop of color.
Incorporate citrus zest: Sprinkle a touch of citrus zest over the scallops for a burst of fresh flavor and a visually stunning finishing touch.
Use elegant plating: Utilize elegant and minimalist plating techniques to showcase the beauty of the dish and allow the flavors to take center stage.
Balance of colors and textures: Ensure a harmonious balance of colors and textures on the plate, creating a visually striking and appetizing presentation.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to every detail, from the arrangement of the scallops to the placement of the sauce, to create a visually stunning dish that reflects precision and artistry.
Elevate with edible flowers: Elevate the presentation by incorporating edible flowers, adding a touch of sophistication and a visually captivating element to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the use of negative space on the plate to create a visually striking presentation that allows the dish to stand out.
Precision in plating: Exercise precision and finesse in the plating process, ensuring that each element is thoughtfully placed to create a visually stunning and elegant presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Seared Sea Scallops
- Medium saucepan: A medium-sized pot used for heating and simmering sauces, soups, and liquids.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, mixing, and whipping ingredients together.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Paper towels: Absorbent paper used for draining and drying foods.
Storing and Freezing Seared Sea Scallops with Clementine Sauce
- To store leftover seared scallops, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or butter until warmed through.
- The clementine sauce can be stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the seared scallops and clementine sauce separately:
- Scallops: Arrange the cooled scallops in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until frozen solid (about 2 hours). Transfer the frozen scallops to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and date the container, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the scallops in the refrigerator overnight and then warm gently in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or butter.
- Clementine sauce: Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, leaving some headspace for expansion. Label and date the container, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- When reheating frozen scallops and sauce, be sure to consume them within 24 hours for optimal quality and food safety.
How To Reheat Leftover Seared Scallops
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover seared sea scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the scallops to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the scallops are heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can cause the scallops to become rubbery.
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place the scallops in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 30-second intervals, checking the scallops between each interval to ensure they don't overcook. Typically, 1-2 minutes total heating time should suffice.
If you have leftover clementine sauce, reheat it separately in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of clementine juice or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
For a fresh twist on leftovers, create a seared scallop salad. Slice the chilled scallops and arrange them over a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle with the reheated clementine sauce and garnish with segments of fresh clementines or oranges for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Transform your leftover seared scallops into a delightful pasta dish. Reheat the scallops and sauce as mentioned above, then toss with your favorite cooked pasta, such as linguine or angel hair. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
Interesting Trivia About Seared Sea Scallops with Clementine Sauce
Sea scallops are a great source of lean protein and are low in fat, making them a healthy and delicious option for a meal.
Is Making Seared Scallops with Citrus Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
This seared sea scallops with clementine sauce recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors, but it may not be the most cost-effective option for a household. The use of large sea scallops and clementine juice can be a bit pricey. However, the dish's exquisite taste and elegant presentation could make it a worthwhile indulgence for special occasions. On a scale of 1-10, the overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $60-$70, making it more suitable for occasional splurges.
Are Seared Sea Scallops with Clementine Sauce Healthy?
The seared sea scallops with clementine sauce recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The sauce contains a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat and calories
- The scallops are cooked in a large amount of olive oil, adding to the overall fat content of the dish
- The recipe does not include any vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients to balance out the meal
However, there are some positive aspects to this recipe:
- Scallops are a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Clementine juice provides vitamin C and antioxidants, which can support immune function and overall health
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter in the sauce or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as Greek yogurt or avocado
- Use less olive oil when cooking the scallops, or opt for a cooking method that requires less oil, such as grilling or broiling
- Serve the scallops over a bed of nutrient-dense vegetables, such as sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or a colorful salad
- Incorporate whole grains, like quinoa or brown rice, to add fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal
- Experiment with herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on excessive amounts of fat or salt
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of this dish while also supporting your overall health and well-being.
Editor's Opinion on This Clementine Scallop Dish
The seared sea scallops with clementine sauce recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The clementine sauce adds a bright and citrusy element to the dish, complementing the rich and succulent scallops beautifully. The searing technique creates a lovely caramelization on the scallops, enhancing their natural sweetness. However, the sauce could benefit from a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. Overall, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a wonderful choice for a special occasion or a gourmet dinner.
Enhance Your Seared Sea Scallops With Clementine Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Seared Sea Scallops With Clementine Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring succulent sea scallops perfectly seared to a golden brown. The dipping sauce, made with fresh clementine juice and a hint of ancho chili powder, adds a zesty and tangy element to the dish. The careful preparation and attention to detail ensure a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own home. With the use of high-quality ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil and the meticulous cooking instructions, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable and satisfying dining experience.
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