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Prep time
15 minutes
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Cook time
15 minutes
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Serves
4
Author Notes
Scallops have become a go-to ingredient on Top Chef over the years, to the point where both judges and fans have often criticized “cheftestants” for using them as somewhat of a crutch. It’s easy to understand why the tasty mollusks are so often chosen, especially in the heat of the moment: Sweet, buttery, and luxe, yet not terribly expensive, they can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways, and—most of all— are incredibly quick to cook. Though they are great any time of year, I love this fresh, springtime preparation, which balances a trio of vibrant green vegetables with a simple gremolata made with lots of fresh mint.
Adapted from Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating by Gail Simmons. Copyright © 2017 by GMS Media, Inc. Reprinted with permission from Grand Central Life & Style. All rights reserved. —Food52
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Ingredients
- Mint Gremolata
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1/4 cup
finely chopped fresh mint leaves
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2 teaspoons
freshly grated lemon zest
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1
garlic clove, finely chopped
- Scallops & Peas
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3 tablespoons
pine nuts (optional)
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3 tablespoons
extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for serving
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1
small shallot, finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
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1 pound
medium-thick asparagus, tough ends trimmed, spears cut on a diagonal into 1-inch lengths
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Kosher salt
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2 cups
(8 ounces) fresh or thawed frozen peas
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1
(5-ounce) package baby spinach (5 cups packed)
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1 pound
dry sea scallops, rinsed, tough muscle removed, scallops patted dry
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Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
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For the gremolata: In a bowl, stir together the mint, lemon zest, and garlic; set aside.
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For the scallops and peas: If using pine nuts, place them in a small, dry skillet and cook over medium-low heat, occasionally shaking the pan back and forth, until the nuts are fragrant and lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
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In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Stir in the asparagus and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add the peas and cook until tender, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl.
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Heat another tablespoon oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, just until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the vegetables.
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Wipe out the skillet. Season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. When the oil is hot, but not smoking, add the scallops and cook without touching until the bottoms are deep golden, 2 to 3 minutes, then turn and cook until just cooked through, 30 seconds to 1 minute more. Transfer the scallops to a plate.
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Gently toss the vegetables with 1 tablespoon of the gremolata, then divide among serving plates. Top with the scallops. Sprinkle with the remaining gremolata and the pine nuts if using. Drizzle with a bit of oil and serve.
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