There are some things that just beg for a special meal – celebrations, holidays, perhaps even date-night. Then there are those days when you just need to treat yourself, because baby… you’re tired and you’ve earned it! Mr. HapaNom and I are gearing up for our move across the country to San Francisco – exciting, but there are SO many things to take care of before we go.
We’ve been on the go for weeks now and we both needed a little ‘us time’. The only caveat being, I didn’t want to leave the house. Leaving the house would require me having to do my hair, get dolled up, and I really didn’t want to change out of my sweat pants (I know… I’m totally painting a picture of hotness). The night was just begging for a little TLC… in the comfort of our own home.
If you’re not familiar with cooking scallops, fear not! They are insanely quick and easy to make. In fact, they’re so quick and easy, you will be amazed! So before we get into the kitchen, let’s go to the store. When purchasing scallops, you may notice they’re generally labeled either ‘wet’ or ‘dry’. Whenever possible, go for dry scallops. They have not been treated with sodium tripolyphospate, a solution that adds moisture to the scallops thus increasing their shelf life. What that means, is that ‘wet’ scallops are generally not as fresh and you’re paying for the added water weight – talk about a waste of money! Likewise, due to the excess water wet scallops will also be more difficult brown, no matter how hot you get the pan.
Now that we’ve purchased the scallops, into the kitchen we go! To get the perfect sear on scallops, you must do a few things:
- Gently rinse each scallop under cool water and thoroughly pat dry. The drier the scallop, the better the sear.
- Wait until you’re about to sear the scallops before you sprinkle them with salt and pepper. If you salt them too early, the salt will draw out the moisture from the scallops.
- Add the butter and olive oil to the pan and get that pan hot! When you see that first little wisp of smoke coming off of the pan, add the scallops. Sear for 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Don’t move them around the pan once you’ve set them down, just let them be until they’re ready to turn.
So that’s it! Pretty easy, huh?
Whether your hosting a dinner party or just having a nice quiet night at home in your sweatpants, these scallops make for a delicious and special dinner. So treat yourself to these Orange-Soy Glazed Scallops, open up a nice bottle of wine, and enjoy!
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, plus the zest
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 pound dry sea scallops
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 scallion, green part only, thinly sliced
- In a small sauce pan over medium-high heat, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic. Bring to a simmer and reduce until thickened into a syrup, about 10 minutes. (Be careful not to over-reduce the sauce).
- If not already done, remove the small muscle or ‘foot’ from the scallops. Just pinch it between your thumb and first-finger, and tear it away. Rinse under cool water and thoroughly pat dry.
- Add the butter and olive oil to a large saute pan over high heat. Season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper, and once the pan lets off the first wisp of smoke, gently add the scallops to the pan, making sure they don’t touch. Sear the scallops for 1 1/2 minutes on each side.
- To serve, place a dollop of the orange-soy glaze on a plate (one for every scallop) and place a scallop on top. Garnish with a little orange zest and a couple of scallion slices. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
I’m legitimately obsessed with scallops. These look way too perfect! Can’t wait to hear stories about your move to SF. I’ve never been before and I live in LA. Planning a trip in August though soooo hopefully by then I can get some restaurant recs from you bec obviously I only travel to places for food 😉
Traveling to places for food is the only way to travel… as far as I’m concerned 😉 Let me know when you’re in SF – we can grab a drink and hopefully I’ll know some great places for some good eats by then!
How exciting to be moving to San Francisco. I bet the both of you are very excited about the new adventures you will be embarking on. Btw. . .thanks for the tips on scallops. It’s been ages since I actually cooked scallops at home and your tips inspired me to start adding these back into my menu. . .they are my second favorite seafood after all (sorry scallops. . .crab takes top place in my book). Yours look absolutely divine and the photos are stunning.
Thanks so much, Lynn 🙂 Crabs are pretty wonderful too – a great crab cake will always make my eyes roll in the back of my head.
We’re super excited to be out in SF – until then, I’m sitting in a hotel wishing I had a home cooked meal. Ooo… some crab cakes sound really good right about now 😉
Kathleen – What a beautiful, elegant meal for a date night in! Moving across country seems like such a stressful task; however, once you move, I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful experience. Best of luck. 🙂
Thank you my dear. I ready just to be there already 😉 Can’t wait to try out my new kitchen!
These are totally like, grown-up food Kathleen! I love them! I have never made them in the comfort of my own home… but you’ve inspired me to have a go at it! I am so excited for you to move to this crazy state of California. We will have to compare notes, NorCal vs. SoCal. Not sure which one is more nutty. 🙂 Also congrats on the Foodista feature!
Thanks so much, Meggan! Scallops are shockingly easy to make at home – I know you’re going to love it! Yes, we’ll have to compare notes. I’m actually more familiar with SoCal (that’s where my dad’s family lives). Perhaps I can give you some notes once I get familar with SF 😛
So fresh and delicious and a perfect bite of deliciousness. Wishing you the best of luck with your move as I know that can be a bit overwhelming. Sharing and pinning this recipe, of course, as it is the perfect date night food!!
Aww… thank you my dear 🙂 T-minus 2 weeks to the big movie – it’s about to get crazy around here 😉
wow, stunning scallops dish!!!
Thank you, Dedy 🙂
I LOVE scallops. Definitely need to try out that orange soy glaze… it sounds wicked and perfect to compliment the scallops I imagine too!
Me too, Thalia! The orange-soy glaze adds a bit of rich sweetness to the scallops without over powering them. I hope you enjoy 🙂
Heyya,,, These scallops are perfectly seared and the orange-soy glaze looks luscious! Who needs to go out when you can make yourself something like this in very little time? Great photos Kathleen!Such an easy, yet elegant dish. I could eat scallops everyday, just like this. Lovely recipe. 🙂
Thanks so much, Sneha! I could eat scallops every day too – they’re definitely the candy of the ocean! I hope you enjoy 🙂
Don’t knock sweats. They are my daily uniform!!
These scallops look like some from a fancy restaurant. Except BETTER because I actually know what’s in it! These are seriously amazing. You should start a fine dining fusion restaurant!! You’re the next David Chang!! 🙂
Ha! That what my husband says about my yoga pants 😉
Wow – you’re totally making me blush, Nagi! But those are some seriously big shoes to fill – I could only hope to fit in a pinky toes worth of talent that man has!
These scallops are perfectly seared and the orange-soy glaze looks luscious! Who needs to go out when you can make yourself something like this in very little time? Great photos Kathleen!
Thanks, Thao! My thought’s exactly – sometimes it’s just nicer to stay in 🙂
Love seared scallops and these look perfect! The orange soy glaze is such a great addition! Thanks for the tips Kathleen! Pictures are gorgeous!
Thanks, sweetie! Seared scallops are one of my favorites – they’re like the candy of the ocean 🙂
Such an easy, yet elegant dish. I could eat scallops everyday, just like this. Lovely recipe.
Thanks! 🙂 Don’t you just love when you can get quick, easy, and elegant all in one!?
Kathleen…wow! These look fantastic!!! And btw…sometimes you need a sweatpants night in…those are some of the best nights 🙂
Totally agree – sweatpants night is the best! 😉
Hey there! Love your photos, and your recipes are just mouth-watering, I totally get all your recipes, I would eat every single one of them…this is coming from another “Hapa” gal (Chinese + German & Irish Mix), this is a great perspective to experience food!
Hi Sara! Thanks so much for your lovely comment (you’re making me blush*). It’s always great to hear from another Hapa! I think it’s being mixed that has given me such an admiration of food from around the globe.
My hubby’s a German/Irish mix, no Asian though 😉