Seared Scallops with Spicy Red Pepper Sauce

Name: Seared Scallops with Spicy Red Pepper Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 5 serving
Ingredients: 15 large scallops; 2/3 cup almonds; 2 large roasted red bell peppers; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 large garlic clove; ¾ teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; kosher salt; sweet paprika

User Reviews

5.0

30 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
5
Calories
2762 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
Greek

Seared Scallops with Spicy Red Pepper Sauce

Gael Robertson

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Fresh scallops are crisped in extra virgin olive oil to create a golden-brown exterior and soft interior. Spicy, nutty, smoky roasted red pepper sauce is absolutely delicious–you may want to consider doubling it to have on hand as a dip for fresh vegetables or spread for toast. Freshly roasting the peppers yourself lends the best flavor, but a jar works well too and will save you some time. From there, just 20 minutes and this restaurant-quality dinner is on your table!

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Ingredients

Servings

15 large scallops
2/3 cup almonds
2 large roasted red bell peppers or one 16-ounce jar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil divided
1 large garlic clove minced
¾ teaspoon red chili flakes plus more for serving
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
¼ teaspoon black pepper
kosher salt
sweet paprika for serving

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Instructions

Get ready. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Prep the scallops. Rinse the scallops under cold water. If they have a small abductor muscle attached to the side (also known as the “foot”), pull it off and discard it. Pat them dry with paper towels, then place them between two layers of paper towels and set aside.
Toast the almonds. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer. When your oven is hot, add the almonds and toast, tossing occasionally until they’re golden brown and fragrant, 10 to 15 minutes.
Make the sauce. If you roasted the bell peppers yourself, peel away their skins and tear them into strips, discarding the seeds. Add to a food processor, along with 1/2 cup of the toasted almonds (save the remaining for later) and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the garlic, chili flakes, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Blend until smooth. If the mixture seems too thick, blend in a little more olive oil. Taste to check the seasoning—the dip should taste salty and spicy. Set aside.
Get ready to cook the scallops. Crush the remaining almonds in a mortar and pestle, or use a knife to finely chop. Remove the paper towel from the scallops and pat dry with another clean paper towel. The more moisture you can remove, the better caramelization you will achieve. Lightly season the scallops with salt.
Sear the scallops. In a stainless-steel pan over medium heat, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. When the oil starts to smoke, add the scallops and cook without nudging for 1 ½ minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 1 ½ minutes. Both sides should have a golden caramelization.
Serve. Serve the scallops on top of the red pepper sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed almonds, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil and enjoy.

Notes

Visit
our shop
to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including
olive oils
,
honey
,
jams
, and
spices
.
High heat is essential to sear the scallops without overcooking them, and will prevent sticking. Do not add the scallops until the oil is smoking (and turn on your oven vents!).
Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Serving 1g Calories 276.2kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 7.1g (2%) Protein 9.7g (19%) Fat 24.2g (37%) Saturated Fat 2.8g (14%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Monounsaturated Fat 16.6g Trans Fat 0.01g Cholesterol 10.8mg (4%) Sodium 385.3mg (16%) Potassium 266.9mg (8%) Fiber 2.7g (11%) Sugar 1.3g (3%) Vitamin A 168.1IU (3%) Vitamin C 7.1mg (8%) Calcium 63.6mg (6%) Iron 1.2mg (7%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 2762 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving	1g
Calories	276.2kcal	14%
Carbohydrates	7.1g	2%
Protein	9.7g	19%
Fat	24.2g	37%
Saturated Fat	2.8g	14%
Polyunsaturated Fat	4g	24%
Monounsaturated Fat	16.6g	83%
Trans Fat	0.01g	1%
Cholesterol	10.8mg	4%
Sodium	385.3mg	16%
Potassium	266.9mg	6%
Fiber	2.7g	11%
Sugar	1.3g	3%
Vitamin A	168.1IU	3%
Vitamin C	7.1mg	8%
Calcium	63.6mg	6%
Iron	1.2mg	7%