Pan-Seared Scallops with Mandarin Citrus Sauce
Delight your taste buds with this exquisite dish featuring perfectly seared sea scallops complemented by a refreshing mandarin citrus sauce. Each scallop is browned to perfection, bringing a sweet, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the mandarin oranges. This recipe incorporates savory shallots, aromatic garlic, and a splash of sweet vermouth for depth. Enjoy this elegant dish served over fluffy jasmine rice, making it ideal for a special dinner or a cozy date night. For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding a touch of chili or paprika to elevate the flavor profile.
2
Servings
275
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
sea scallops
10 (tendon removed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
mandarin oranges
2 (1 peeled and divided into slices, 1 for juicing)
onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
shallots
2 tablespoons (chopped (approx 2-inch pieces))
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
mandarin juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
sweet vermouth
4 tablespoons (for deglazing)
cold butter
1 tablespoon (for finishing sauce)
salt & pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
parsley
1 pinch (for garnish)
lemon
1 wedge (for flavoring)
jasmine rice
1 cup (cooked as per standard instructions)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once done, set aside and keep warm.
2
In a medium sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium flame until hot.
3
Carefully add the sea scallops to the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a light golden crust. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside.
4
In the same pan, add the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and a portion of the chopped mandarin oranges. Sauté for 1.5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
5
Pour in the sweet vermouth and reduce the heat to low, allowing the liquid to simmer and slightly thicken for about 2 minutes.
6
Add the mandarin juice, remaining shallots, and the wedge of lemon to the pan. Stir gently and allow to cook for an additional minute.
7
Return the seared scallops to the pan, followed by the cold butter. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the scallops evenly.
8
Season the dish with a pinch of salt, pepper, and parsley to taste.
9
To serve, plate a generous scoop of jasmine rice, topped with the scallops and the mandarin sauce. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
30.5g
Carbs
18.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is sea scallops.
How many servings does this dish make?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving of these scallops?
One serving of this dish contains 275 calories.
What type of rice is recommended to serve with this dish?
The scallops and mandarin sauce are best served over fluffy jasmine rice.
How long should the sea scallops be seared?
The scallops should be seared for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until a light golden crust forms.
What ingredient is used to deglaze the pan?
Sweet vermouth is used to deglaze the pan and add depth to the citrus sauce.
What specific citrus is used in this sauce?
The recipe uses mandarin oranges for both their juice and their segments.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 8 grams of fat.
How much protein does this meal provide per serving?
This dish provides 18.5 grams of protein per serving.
How should the mandarin oranges be prepared?
One mandarin should be peeled and divided into slices, while another is used for freshly squeezed juice.
What is the suggested garnish for this dish?
The recipe suggests garnishing with a pinch of fresh parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for those looking for a healthy meal?
Yes, the dish is tagged as a healthy main course.
Why is cold butter added to the sauce?
Cold butter is stirred in at the end to create a smooth, rich sauce that coats the scallops evenly.
What should be done with the scallops after the initial searing?
Once seared, remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
How long do you sauté the onions and garlic?
The finely chopped onions and minced garlic should be sautéed for about 1.5 minutes until fragrant.
Can I add spice to this mandarin citrus sauce?
Yes, the description suggests adding a touch of chili or paprika if you enjoy a spicy kick.
What preparation is needed for the sea scallops?
The tendons should be removed from the sea scallops before they are cooked.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 30.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are included in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What heat setting is recommended for searing the scallops?
The scallops should be seared over a medium flame in hot olive oil.
How long should the sweet vermouth simmer in the pan?
The sweet vermouth should simmer for about 2 minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.
When do the scallops return to the pan?
The scallops are returned to the pan after the mandarin juice, shallots, and lemon have been added and stirred.
Is this dish appropriate for a special occasion?
Yes, the recipe is described as an elegant dish ideal for a special dinner or a cozy date night.
What aromatics are used in the mandarin sauce?
The sauce utilizes onions, shallots, and minced garlic as aromatic bases.
How much mandarin juice is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed mandarin juice.
What texture should the scallops have after searing?
They should have a sweet, buttery flavor with a light golden, crispy crust.
When should the jasmine rice be cooked?
Begin by cooking the rice at the very start of the process according to the package instructions.
Is lemon included in this scallop recipe?
Yes, one wedge of lemon is used for flavoring the sauce.
What is the purpose of the shallots in this dish?
Shallots are used as a savory aromatic to provide depth to the citrus sauce.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, this dish is categorized as both a quick meal and an easy recipe.