Garlic Butter Scallops with Watermelon Salsa
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
2 to 4 people
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Garlic Butter Scallops with Watermelon Salsa
Description
This recipe highlights fresh sea scallops seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then cooked in butter infused with minced garlic and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes. Cooking the scallops just 2 to 3 minutes per side ensures they stay tender and opaque without becoming tough. The garlic butter imparts a savory richness that contrasts with the scallops’ delicate texture.
The accompanying watermelon salsa combines juicy diced watermelon with finely diced jalapeno, shallot, fresh cilantro, and freshly squeezed lime juice, seasoned with salt and pepper. The salsa adds a bright, refreshing, and slightly spicy contrast to the rich scallops.
The scallops are delicious served atop jasmine rice that soaks up any buttery sauce or enjoyed simply with the salsa as a light dish. The salsa can be prepared ahead to let the flavors meld and leftovers stored chilled.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops (if frozen, make sure to thaw)
- salt
- black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- pinch red pepper flakes crushed
- jasmine rice for serving
watermelon salsa
- 1 ½ cups watermelon diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and diced
- 1 shallot diced, small
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped, fresh
- 2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and the pepper flakes. Add the scallops in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. You may need to do this in two batches. Cook the scallops until they are opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Don’t cook longer or they will be too tough!
- Serve the scallops topped with the watermelon salsa. I love to serve these with jasmine rice too. However, if you’re having a dinner party or making them as an appetizer, they are great on their own with the salsa. As a great accompaniment to surf and turf!
watermelon salsa
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir. I like to make this first so the flavors can marry together. You can also store leftovers in the fridge.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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