Pan Seared Scallops with Miso Sauce

5 from 1 vote

Pan Seared Scallops with Miso Sauce

Big, plump sea scallops make an easy yet special dish for Valentines or any time of the year. You can pull this dinner together in about 30 minutes. To save time, make the rice and sauce ahead and heat them to serve. That beautiful purple-black rice in the photo is Forbidden Black rice.

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Dinner, Main Course, Seafood

Cuisine: Asian

Servings:

Calories: 146kcal

Author: Sally Cameron

Equipment

10" non-stick pan

Ingredients

Orange Miso Sauce

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
¼ cup sweet white miso
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon ginger organic minced in a jar, but fresh, finely grated is good too
1 large garlic clove finely chopped or zested
1-2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

Seared Scallops

12 jumbo dry sea scallops approximately 1 pound
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1-2 teaspoons neutral oil
⅓ cup dry white wine sub fish broth or water

Instructions

Make the orange miso sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, miso, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat until slightly thickened and reduced. For a smooth sauce, press through a fine sieve. Keep warm if serving right away, or cool, refrigerate, and gently rewarm before serving.

Prepare the scallops

Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels. If the side muscle (the abductor or foot) is still there, remove it, as they are tough to eat. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Sear the scallops

Heat a nonstick sauté pan over medium heat with the oil. When hot, add the scallops in a flat, single layer, leaving space between them. Cook until a golden crust forms on the first side, then turn carefully with tongs.

Finish the scallops

Add the wine, broth, or water, cover immediately, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 2 minutes more, depending on size and thickness. The scallops should be just cooked through and slightly translucent in the center. Do not overcook. Total cooking time is usually 5–7 minutes.

Nutrition