Grilled scallop and orange kebabs are a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the sweetness of honey and orange with the delicate taste of sea scallops. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a special dinner, these kebabs are easy to prepare and cook quickly on the grill.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in your kitchen, you may need to purchase fresh ginger and sea scallops. Fresh ginger is often found in the produce section, and sea scallops are usually available at the seafood counter. Ensure to select high-quality scallops for the best flavor.
Ingredients For Grilled Scallop And Orange Kebabs
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness to the dish, balancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
Orange: Provides a citrusy tang and fresh juice for the marinade, enhancing the flavor of the scallops.
Ginger: Adds a zesty kick and depth of flavor to the marinade.
Oil: Used to prevent the scallops and orange pieces from sticking to the grill.
Sea scallops: The main protein of the dish, offering a tender and slightly sweet taste.
Kosher salt: Used to season the scallops and bring out their natural flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
One reader, Arthur Batson says:
This grilled scallop and orange kebabs recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory. The honey and ginger sauce adds a perfect touch of flavor, and the juicy orange slices complement the tender scallops beautifully. An easy, impressive dish that's sure to please!
Techniques Required for Grilling Scallop and Orange Kebabs
How to cut an orange: Cut the ends off the orange, then slice it into ½-inch thick slices and cut each slice into 4 pieces. How to squeeze juice from an orange: Squeeze the juice from the remaining orange to get 2 tablespoons of juice. How to combine ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the honey, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and ginger. How to heat a grill or grill pan: Heat the grill or a grill pan to high, clean the grates, and oil well. How to thread skewers: Thread the orange and scallops onto the skewers, starting and finishing with the orange. How to season: Season the skewers with salt and pepper. How to grill scallops and orange: Grill for about 2 minutes on each side until the scallops are opaque throughout. How to brush and baste: Brush and baste with the sauce, and cook for 30 to 60 more seconds on each side.
How To Make Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs
This delicious grilled scallop kebabs are tender pieces slathered with a sweet honey-ginger glaze for a tastier dish! Whip these up in just 20 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspraw honey
- 1large navel orange,or 2 small oranges
- 1tbspfresh ginger,grated
- oil
- 1lbsea scallops,(12 jumbo scallops)
- kosher salt and black pepper
Equipments
-
Double prong metal skewers
Instructions
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Cut the ends off the orange, and cut the remaining orange into 4½-inch thick slices. Cut each slice into 4 pieces.
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Squeeze the juice from the remaining orange to get 2 tablespoons of juice.
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In a small bowl, combine the honey, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and ginger.
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Heat the grill or a grill pan to high. Clean the grates and oil well.
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Thread the orange and scallops onto the skewers, starting and finishing with the orange. Season with salt and pepper.
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Grill for about 2 minutes on each side, until the scallops are opaque throughout.
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Brush and baste with the sauce, and cook for 30 to 60 more seconds on each side.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 275.56kcal
- Fat: 5.76g
- Saturated Fat: 0.65g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.97g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.59g
- Carbohydrates: 28.00g
- Fiber: 2.25g
- Sugar: 16.12g
- Protein: 28.34g
- Cholesterol: 54.43mg
- Sodium: 890.92mg
- Calcium: 56.70mg
- Potassium: 641.16mg
- Iron: 1.13mg
- Vitamin A: 13.03µg
- Vitamin C: 51.91mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs
When threading the scallops and orange onto the skewers, make sure to leave a little space between each piece. This allows the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring that the scallops cook through without steaming and the orange gets a nice char.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs
Prepare ingredients in advance: Cut the orange and grate the ginger ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-soaked skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
Preheat the grill: Ensure the grill is hot and ready before you start cooking to reduce waiting time.
Organize your workspace: Keep all ingredients and tools within reach to make the assembly and cooking process smoother.
Batch cooking: Grill multiple kebabs at once to save time, especially if cooking for a crowd.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs Recipe
raw honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and viscosity, making it a good alternative for honey.
navel orange - Substitute with mandarin orange: Mandarin oranges are slightly sweeter and have a similar citrus flavor, making them a suitable replacement.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar spicy and aromatic flavor.
oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil has a similar fat content and can be used for grilling, adding a slightly different but pleasant flavor.
sea scallops - Substitute with large shrimp: Large shrimp have a similar texture and cook quickly, making them a good alternative for scallops.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor, making it an appropriate substitute for kosher salt.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor profile, though it is slightly milder.
Plating Ideas for Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs
Use elegant skewers: Opt for sleek, stainless steel skewers to give a refined touch to the grilled scallop and orange kebabs. This elevates the presentation and adds a professional flair.
Arrange on a minimalist plate: Choose a large, white, minimalist plate to make the colors of the scallops and orange slices pop. The simplicity of the plate will highlight the dish's vibrant hues.
Garnish with microgreens: Add a small handful of microgreens on top of the kebabs. This not only adds a fresh, green contrast but also a touch of sophistication.
Drizzle with sauce artistically: Instead of just brushing the honey and orange juice sauce on the kebabs, drizzle it artistically around the plate. This creates an appealing visual and ensures every bite has a hint of the sauce.
Add a citrus twist: Place a thin, elegant twist of orange peel on the side of the plate. This adds a decorative element and hints at the citrus flavors within the dish.
Serve with a side of dipping sauce: Provide a small, elegant dipping bowl filled with extra honey and orange juice sauce. This allows diners to add more flavor as they desire and adds an interactive element to the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers around the plate. This adds a pop of color and a touch of luxury, making the dish look as exquisite as it tastes.
Highlight the grill marks: Ensure the scallops and orange slices have visible grill marks. These marks not only indicate the grilling process but also add a rustic, yet refined, visual appeal.
Balance the elements: Arrange the kebabs in a balanced manner on the plate. Ensure that the scallops and orange slices are evenly distributed to create a harmonious look.
Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt: Just before serving, sprinkle a tiny amount of flaky sea salt over the kebabs. This adds a final touch of texture and enhances the flavors of the scallops and orange slices.
Essential Equipment for Making Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs
Grill or grill pan: Used to cook the scallops and orange slices, providing a nice char and smoky flavor.
Small bowl: Used to mix the honey, orange juice, and ginger into a basting sauce.
Knife: Essential for cutting the orange into slices and pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the orange.
Skewers: Used to thread the scallops and orange pieces for grilling.
Tongs: Handy for turning the skewers on the grill to ensure even cooking.
Basting brush: Used to apply the honey and orange juice mixture to the scallops and oranges while grilling.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the honey and orange juice accurately.
Grater: Used to grate the fresh ginger for the basting sauce.
Juicer: Helps in extracting juice from the orange efficiently.
Paper towels: Useful for patting the scallops dry before seasoning and grilling.
Storing and Freezing Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs
- To store leftover grilled scallop and orange kebabs, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- When storing, make sure to let the kebabs cool down to room temperature before placing them in the container or wrapping them. This will prevent condensation from forming and affecting the texture of the scallops.
- If you want to freeze the kebabs, remove the scallops and oranges from the skewers and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date of freezing and use within 2-3 months for the best quality.
- To thaw frozen scallop and orange kebabs, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage.
- Once thawed, reheat the kebabs in a preheated oven or on a grill pan until they are heated through and the scallops are warm. Be careful not to overcook them, as scallops can quickly become rubbery if cooked for too long.
- If you have leftover honey ginger sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can use it as a glaze or dipping sauce for other grilled dishes or as a marinade for chicken or shrimp.
How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover grilled scallop and orange kebabs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the kebabs with a little olive oil or melted butter to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the scallops are heated through and the oranges are slightly caramelized.
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place the kebabs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the scallops are heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can result in a rubbery texture.
If you have a grill or grill pan available, you can reheat the kebabs directly on the grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the scallops are heated through and the oranges have nice grill marks.
For a flavorful twist, create a quick glaze by combining equal parts honey, orange juice, and soy sauce. Brush the glaze onto the kebabs before reheating them in the oven, microwave, or on the grill. This will add a delightful sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
If you want to enjoy the grilled scallop and orange kebabs cold, simply remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and ensures that the scallops and oranges are not too cold when you bite into them.
Interesting Trivia About Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs
A fun fact about this grilled scallop and orange kebabs recipe is that the combination of scallops and citrus not only enhances the flavor but also helps in tenderizing the seafood. The acidity from the orange juice breaks down the proteins in the scallops, making them even more succulent and delicious.
Is Making Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs at Home Cost-Effective?
This grilled scallop and orange kebabs recipe is moderately cost-effective. The primary expense is the sea scallops, which can be pricey, but the other ingredients like orange, honey, and ginger are relatively inexpensive. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $25-$30. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Are Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs Healthy?
The grilled scallop and orange kebabs recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a few areas for improvement. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's health aspects:
Positives:
- Scallops are a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Oranges provide vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants
- Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may aid digestion
- Grilling is a low-fat cooking method that minimizes the need for added oils
Negatives:
- Honey, although natural, is still a form of added sugar
- The recipe lacks vegetables, which could provide additional nutrients and fiber
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of honey used or replace it with a low-calorie alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener
- Add more vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or onions, to increase the nutrient and fiber content
- Use a marinade made with heart-healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil, along with citrus juice and herbs, to add flavor without relying on added sugars
- Serve the kebabs with a side of leafy greens or a colorful salad to round out the meal with more vegetables
- Opt for sustainably sourced scallops to support environmentally friendly fishing practices
Editor's Opinion on the Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs Recipe
This recipe beautifully balances the sweetness of honey and orange with the delicate flavor of scallops. The fresh ginger adds a subtle zing, enhancing the overall taste profile. Grilling the scallops and orange slices imparts a smoky char that complements the natural sweetness. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the scallops to shine, while the basting sauce ensures they remain moist and flavorful. This dish is both elegant and straightforward, making it perfect for a sophisticated dinner or a casual summer barbecue.
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Why trust this Grilled Scallop and Orange Kebabs Recipe:
This recipe combines the sweetness of honey and orange with the delicate flavor of sea scallops, creating a delightful balance. The use of fresh ginger adds a subtle spice, enhancing the overall taste. Grilling the scallops ensures they remain tender and juicy, while the orange slices caramelize beautifully, adding a burst of citrusy goodness. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible, yet impressive. Trust this recipe for a delicious and elegant dish that is sure to impress your guests.
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