Pan-Seared Scallops with Corn Relish
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🐟 Chapter 4: Seafood

Pan-Seared Scallops with Corn Relish

“Scallops feel luxurious but cook in minutes. Sweet corn relish perfectly balances the rich, buttery sear.”

1Ingredients

1 lb large sea scallops (muscle removed)
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
½ red bell pepper, finely diced
¼ red onion, finely diced
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp lime juice
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper

2Instructions

1

Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.

2

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add corn, bell pepper, and red onion. Cook 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Stir in lime juice and cilantro, then transfer relish to a bowl.

3

Wipe the skillet clean and return it to medium-high heat. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and butter.

4

Once butter is melted and foaming, add scallops in a single layer. Do not touch them! Let them sear exactly 2 minutes to develop a deep brown crust.

5

Flip the scallops and cook 1 to 1½ minutes on the other side until just opaque in the center.

6

Serve seared scallops immediately, resting on a bed of the warm corn relish.

Pro Tip

If your scallops are wet, they will steam instead of sear. Pat them dry, let them sit on paper towels for a few minutes, and pat them dry again before cooking.

At a Glance

10 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
4
Serves

Tags

elegantquickgluten-free