Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Scallop & Snow Pea Stir-Fry Delight?
It is a vibrant seafood stir-fry dish featuring fresh Maine scallops, snow peas, and orange bell peppers in a bold, zesty sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook from start to finish.
Where was this recipe originally featured?
This recipe was featured in Hannaford's monthly magazine, showcasing fresh and seasonal ingredients.
What type of seafood is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fresh sea scallops.
What are the ingredients in the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of water, reduced sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
How do you properly cook the scallops?
Sear the scallops in a single layer in a hot skillet with canola oil for about 3 minutes until they are golden brown on one side.
What vegetables are included in the stir-fry?
The dish includes orange bell peppers cut into thin lengths and fresh snow peas.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The ginger should be peeled and then grated to release its full aromatic flavor into the dish.
Is this stir-fry dish spicy?
The dish has a delicious kick from red pepper flakes, though the heat level can be adjusted to your personal taste.
How should the orange bell pepper be sliced?
The orange bell pepper should be cut into thin 2-inch lengths to ensure even cooking with the other vegetables.
When should the snow peas be added to the skillet?
Add the snow peas along with 2 tablespoons of water after the garlic, ginger, and bell peppers have cooked for about 2 minutes.
What is the ideal texture for the cooked snow peas?
The snow peas should be stir-fried until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
Why is cornstarch used in the stir-fry sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent that helps the sauce achieve a glossy consistency and coat the ingredients well.
Can I use a wok for this recipe?
Yes, a large nonstick skillet or a wok is perfectly suited for this high-heat stir-frying method.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is highly recommended to serve the stir-fry immediately over a bed of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
What garnish is recommended for the Zesty Scallop stir-fry?
You can garnish the finished dish with thinly sliced scallions for added color and flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is intended to be divided into 4 serving bowls.
Do I need to sear both sides of the scallops?
The instructions specify letting them cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden brown on one side before finishing them in the sauce.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of reduced sodium?
Yes, although reduced sodium soy sauce is recommended to better control the overall salt levels of the dish.
What type of vinegar is best for the sauce?
The recipe calls for rice vinegar, which provides a mild and slightly sweet acidity.
Should the garlic be minced or sliced?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the skillet.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
The first step is to whisk together water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth.
How much canola oil is needed?
You only need 1 teaspoon of canola oil to sear the scallops in the skillet.
At what point do the scallops return to the pan?
The scallops are added back into the pan at the final stage along with the rewhisked sauce.
How long does the final cooking stage take?
The final stage takes about 1 minute of gentle tossing until the sauce thickens and all ingredients are heated through.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, this dish is tagged as healthy and features lean protein from scallops combined with fresh vegetables.
Why is canola oil recommended?
Canola oil is recommended because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point suitable for stir-frying.
What is the weight of the snow peas used?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of snow peas.
How can I adjust the heat level of this dish?
You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to make the dish more or less spicy according to your preference.
What should be done with the scallops while the vegetables cook?
After searing, transfer the scallops to a plate and cover them with foil to keep them warm while you proceed with the vegetables.