Description
A quick and vibrant dish featuring perfectly seared sea scallops served with a zesty lime cilantro sauce. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of scallops complemented by a fresh, tangy sauce that adds bright, herbal notes, making it an elegant yet easy seafood dinner ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Scallops
- 400g sea scallops (about 12 large scallops), patted dry
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lime Cilantro Sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp honey
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the lime cilantro sauce: Blend or whisk together the fresh cilantro, freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, and a pinch of salt until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Season scallops: Pat the scallops dry to ensure proper searing and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Heat the skillet: Place a heavy skillet over high heat and add olive oil and butter. Heat until the butter is just smoking, indicating the pan is hot enough for a perfect sear.
- Sear the scallops: Arrange the scallops in the skillet without crowding to avoid steaming. Cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and the centers turn just opaque.
- Finish and serve: Remove the scallops from the heat, gently drizzle with the prepared lime cilantro sauce, and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for added freshness.
Notes
- Make sure scallops are completely dry before searing to get a perfect crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure they sear properly and don’t steam.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the scallops at their best texture and temperature.
- Can be served as an appetizer or main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
