SAUTéED SCALLOPS WITH CRUSHED PEPPERCORNS

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Sautéed Scallops With Crushed Peppercorns image

Sweet, meaty sea scallops are best in winter. Buy "dry-packed" fresh scallops - anything else has been doused in preservatives. This quick-cooking dish gets a boost from three types of peppercorns: green and black (both true pepper), and rose (not really pepper - they are the fruit of a different plant - but peppery nonetheless, and pretty, too). Crush the peppercorns in a mortar or grind very coarsely in a spice mill.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, seafood, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 pounds large dry-packed sea scallops, about 24 pieces, tough muscle (foot) on the side removed from each
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
1 teaspoon green peppercorns (dried, not canned), crushed
1 teaspoon rose (pink) peppercorns, crushed, plus a few whole for garnish
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon amontillado or other dry sherry
6 ounces crème fraîche
1 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped mint or tiny mint leaves

Steps:

  • Place scallops on baking sheet or large plate and season lightly on both sides with salt. Mix together crushed black, green and rose peppercorns and sprinkle liberally over scallops on both sides.
  • Put oil in a skillet large enough to hold all scallops without crowding (or use two skillets or work in batches) over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add scallops in one layer.
  • Let scallops brown on one side, about 3 to 4 minutes. (Don't rush or they will stick to pan and won't brown properly.) Add butter and sherry, turn scallops and sear until cooked through, about 2 minutes more. Remove scallops to a serving platter and keep warm.
  • Finish the sauce: Leaving skillet over medium-high heat, add crème fraîche. Simmer until slightly thickened, 2 minutes, then taste for salt.
  • Spoon sauce over scallops and sprinkle with lime zest, lemon zest and mint. Garnish with a few whole rose peppercorns.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 193, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 459 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams

Tauhed Hasan
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I can't wait to try this recipe. It looks so easy to make.


Joy Isaac
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This recipe sounds delicious. I'm going to make it for my next dinner party.


Jace Couto
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I'm adding this recipe to my must-try list.


Mahedi Hasan Mamun
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This dish looks amazing! I can't wait to try it.


Trust Muranganwa
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5 stars!


Kameron Filmore
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This recipe is a keeper!


RIGHT 'AH' YOSI
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I'll definitely be making this dish again.


Tiffany Melone
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This was my first time cooking scallops, and they turned out great! Thanks for the recipe.


Nay Nay C
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I'm not a big fan of scallops, but these were really good. The sauce was also very tasty.


Nightmare UTTP THDTC
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These scallops were delicious! The peppercorns added a nice kick of flavor.


saratu achi
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This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. The scallops are quick to cook, and the sauce is simple to make.


Kynslie Bryant
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I love how easy this dish is to make. The scallops cook in just a few minutes, and the sauce comes together in no time.


Angel Chaudhary
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This is one of my favorite recipes. The scallops are always cooked perfectly, and the sauce is so flavorful.


Armin Maruofi
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I made this dish for a party last weekend, and it was a huge success. Everyone loved the scallops, and they were all asking for the recipe.


Deneth Susantha
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This is a great recipe for a special occasion dinner. The scallops are elegant and delicious, and the sauce is sure to impress your guests.


Nabiryo Cynthia
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I love the combination of flavors in this dish. The sweetness of the scallops pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the peppercorns.


Jakir Miah
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This is a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The scallops cook in just a few minutes, and the sauce comes together in no time.


Oritoke Gold
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I've made this dish a few times now, and it's always a hit with my family and friends. The scallops are always perfectly cooked, and the sauce is delicious.


Cocoa Gambrell
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These scallops were cooked to perfection! They were tender and juicy, with a slightly crispy exterior. The crushed peppercorns added a nice kick of spice, without being overpowering.