Seared scallops with orange and vermouth is a delightful twist on a seafood classic. The sweetness of the scallops pairs incredibly with the tang of orange zest and the rich complexity of vermouth. This dish is elegant yet straightforward, making it perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner.
While most ingredients are quite common, you might need to look for dry vermouth and orange zest. Dry vermouth is a type of fortified wine, usually used in cocktails, but in this recipe, it adds a unique depth of flavor. You can find it in the wine section of your supermarket. Orange zest is simply the top layer of an orange peel, grated into fine pieces. It provides a burst of citrus flavor that brightens the dish.
Ingredients for Seared Scallops with Orange and Vermouth
Cooking oil: A neutral oil used to sear the scallops without adding extra flavor.
Sea scallops: The star of this dish, sea scallops are larger and sweeter than bay scallops.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the scallops and balances the sweetness.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity to the dish.
Butter: For a rich, creamy texture and a smooth, savory flavor.
Scallions: Adds a fresh, oniony taste to the sauce.
Dry vermouth: Infuses the dish with a subtly sweet and complex flavor.
Orange zest: Adds a vibrant citrus note, balancing the richness of the scallops and vermouth.
One reader, Farlay Heck says:
The seared scallops with orange and vermouth recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the scallops are cooked to perfection. The combination of orange zest and vermouth creates a delightful sauce that complements the scallops beautifully. It's a must-try for any seafood lover!
Techniques Required for Perfectly Seared Scallops
How to sear scallops: Searing scallops involves heating a nonstick frying pan over high heat until very hot, then cooking the scallops for about 1 minute on each side until browned and just done.
How to make the vermouth and orange sauce: Melt butter in a pan over moderate heat, add scallions, and cook for 1 minute. Then, add dry vermouth and orange zest, cooking for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
How to serve: Once the scallops are added back to the pan and warmed through, serve them warm and enjoy!
How To Make Seared Scallops with Orange and Vermouth
Enjoy seafood galore with these delectable seared scallops, served in a buttery and zesty sauce made of orange and vermouth; all ready in 25 minutes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspcooking oil
- 2lbsea scallops
- ½tspsalt
- 1tspfresh ground black pepper
- 3tbspbutter
- 2scallions,green tops included
- ½cupdry vermouth
- 1tsporange zest,grated
Instructions
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In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately high heat until very hot.
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Season the scallops with the salt and pepper. Add ½ the scallops to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until browned.
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Turn and cook for about 2 minutes longer until browned on the second side and just done. Remove from the pan.
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Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and repeat with the remaining scallops. Wipe out the pan.
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In the same pan, melt the butter over moderate heat. Add the scallions and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
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Add the vermouth and orange zest. Cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add the scallops and warm for about 1 minute until just heated through.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Fish Alternatives: Instead of large sea scallops, bay scallops can be used. Sauté them for jus t1½ minutes. They cook so quickly there’s no time for a brown crust to form, but the taste will still be delicious.
- Wine Recommendation: A light, acidic white wine is a good partner for the citrus here Outstanding choices would be a better quality Soave or a sauvignon blanc from the northern Alto Adige region of Italy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 323.92kcal
- Fat: 16.79g
- Saturated Fat: 6.29g
- Trans Fat: 0.39g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.78g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.60g
- Carbohydrates: 9.16g
- Fiber: 0.43g
- Sugar: 0.42g
- Protein: 27.68g
- Cholesterol: 77.33mg
- Sodium: 893.05mg
- Calcium: 27.94mg
- Potassium: 528.09mg
- Iron: 1.16mg
- Vitamin A: 79.16µg
- Vitamin C: 2.09mg
Pro Tip for Achieving the Perfect Sear on Scallops
When searing scallops, it's crucial to have your pan very hot before adding them. This ensures a nice, caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the scallops to steam rather than sear, affecting their texture and flavor. Lastly, remember that scallops cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Seared Scallops with Orange and Vermouth
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pan wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pan for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make larger portions and freeze the extra for quick and convenient future meals.
Efficient organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation.
Quick marinating: Use vacuum-sealed bags to marinate ingredients faster and more effectively.
Prep delegation: Enlist family members to help with simple prep tasks to speed up the cooking process.
Streamlined cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize post-cooking cleanup time.
Label and store: Properly label and store ingredients in the fridge or pantry for easy access and longer shelf life.
Substitute Ingredients For Seared Scallops with Orange and Vermouth Recipe
sea scallops - Substitute with jumbo shrimp: Jumbo shrimp can be used as a substitute for sea scallops in this recipe. They have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable alternative for those who may not have access to scallops or prefer shrimp.
dry vermouth - Substitute with dry white wine: Dry white wine can be used as a substitute for dry vermouth in this recipe. It provides a similar depth of flavor and acidity, complementing the dish in a comparable manner.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can be used as a substitute for orange zest in this recipe. It offers a bright citrus flavor and aroma, enhancing the dish with a different but equally delightful citrus note.
Plating Ideas for Seared Scallops with Citrus Sauce
Elevate the plating: Arrange the seared scallops in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Garnish the dish with microgreens and edible flowers to add a pop of color and freshness.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by allowing the dish to breathe on the plate, creating an elegant and refined presentation.
Add a touch of elegance with citrus: Incorporate thinly sliced orange segments as a delicate and flavorful garnish, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Enhance with a drizzle: Finish the plating with a subtle drizzle of the vermouth and orange zest reduction, creating an artistic and flavorful element on the plate.
Consider the plate shape and size: Select a pristine, white porcelain plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish, allowing the scallops to take center stage.
Balance and symmetry: Ensure that the arrangement of the scallops and garnishes creates a sense of balance and symmetry on the plate, reflecting precision and attention to detail.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Seared Scallops
- Cooking oil: A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or grapeseed oil, is ideal for searing scallops.
- Nonstick frying pan: A large nonstick frying pan is essential for searing the scallops without sticking.
- Spatula: A spatula is necessary for flipping the scallops while searing to ensure even cooking.
- Zester: A zester is used to extract the flavorful orange zest for the dish.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for prepping the scallions and other ingredients.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the scallions and other ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure the salt, pepper, and other ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl may be used for seasoning the scallops or preparing additional ingredients for the dish.
- Whisk: A whisk may be used to combine the vermouth and orange zest in the pan, ensuring a smooth sauce.
- Tongs: Tongs are useful for handling the scallops while searing and plating them.
- Stove: A stove or cooktop is necessary for heating the pan and cooking the scallops.
- Butter knife: A butter knife is used for portioning and adding butter to the pan.
- Oven mitts: Oven mitts are essential for safely handling the hot pan and other equipment during cooking.
- Plate: Plates are needed for serving the seared scallops with orange and vermouth.
Storing and Freezing Seared Scallops
- Let the scallops cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days.
- If you want to freeze the scallops, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To reheat frozen scallops, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, heat them gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on low power until heated through.
- The orange and vermouth sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Note: Scallops are best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume them within a day or two of cooking for the best flavor and texture. If you do need to store them, be sure to refrigerate or freeze them promptly to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage.
How To Reheat Leftover Scallops
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover scallops in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the scallops from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the 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 temperature after each interval. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the scallops to become rubbery.
If you want to reheat the scallops and the orange and vermouth sauce together, place them in a saucepan over low heat. Gently stir the scallops and sauce until heated through, being careful not to overcook the scallops. This method allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that both the scallops and sauce are evenly heated.
For a crispy exterior, heat a small amount of butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and sear for 30-60 seconds on each side, just until heated through. This method will give the scallops a nice crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can reheat the scallops using this precise cooking method. Place the scallops in a vacuum-sealed bag and cook them in a water bath at 120°F (49°C) for 15-20 minutes, depending on their size. This method ensures that the scallops are evenly heated without overcooking.
Interesting Fact About Scallops
Seared scallops with orange and vermouth is a popular dish in French cuisine. The combination of the sweet and tangy orange zest with the aromatic vermouth creates a unique and delightful flavor profile that perfectly complements the delicate taste of the seared scallops.
Is Making Seared Scallops at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this seared scallops with orange and vermouth recipe largely depends on the availability and price of sea scallops, vermouth, and other ingredients. While sea scallops can be a bit pricey, the dish's luxurious flavors and the use of butter and vermouth may elevate the overall cost. However, the dish's elegance and gourmet appeal make it a worthy investment for special occasions or a luxurious family meal. 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 $50-$60, making it a moderately expensive yet delightful treat.
Is This Scallop Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This seared scallops with orange and vermouth recipe is a delightful dish that offers both healthy and indulgent elements. Scallops are a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. The use of fresh scallions and orange zest adds a burst of flavor and provides some vitamin C and antioxidants. However, the recipe also includes butter and cooking oil, which can increase the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or avocado oil
- Use a non-stick pan to minimize the need for additional cooking oil
- Increase the amount of scallions or add other vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus to boost the nutrient content
- Serve the scallops over a bed of whole grains like quinoa or brown rice to add fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Pair the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables to create a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal
Editor's Opinion on This Scallop Recipe
The seared scallops with orange and vermouth recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The seared scallops are perfectly cooked, tender, and succulent, while the orange and vermouth sauce adds a bright and citrusy note with a hint of sweetness. The dish is well-balanced and elegant, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion or a gourmet dinner. The use of fresh ingredients and the cooking technique result in a dish that is both visually appealing and delicious. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Enhance Your Seared Scallops with Orange and Vermouth Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Serve with Seared Scallops
Why trust this Seared Scallops with Orange and Vermouth Recipe:
This recipe guarantees succulent sea scallops seared to perfection, ensuring a delightful texture and flavor. The combination of orange zest and dry vermouth creates a unique and vibrant sauce that perfectly complements the scallops. With the use of high-quality cooking oil and butter, this recipe promises a rich and indulgent taste. The addition of scallions adds a subtle yet delightful aroma, enhancing the overall dish. Trust in the expertise of this recipe to deliver a memorable and exquisite dining experience.
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