Imagine impressing your dinner guests with a mouthwatering Asian-inspired dish that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant, but can be prepared in just 20 minutes! These Sesame Marinated Scallops are about to transform your home cooking game, delivering restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort. Tender, golden-seared scallops bathed in a rich, aromatic marinade that will make your taste buds dance – this recipe is your ticket to culinary stardom!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the scallops. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help achieve a nice sear when cooking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and grated ginger. Whisk together until the honey is fully dissolved and the marinade is well mixed.
- Add the cleaned scallops to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to penetrate the scallops.
- While the scallops are marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to get hot before adding any oil.
- Once the skillet is hot, carefully add the marinated scallops, reserving the marinade for later. Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form.
- After 2-3 minutes, gently flip the scallops over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
- Once cooked, remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Drizzle the thickened marinade over the scallops before serving. You can garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve the scallops immediately, either on their own or alongside steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Always use dry, fresh scallops for the best sear and texture
- Pat scallops completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden crust
- Use a hot, heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook scallops in batches if necessary
- Cook scallops for only 2-3 minutes per side to prevent them from becoming rubbery
- Let scallops rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for more even cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature (aim for 130-135°F)
- Reserve marinade for a flavorful sauce that elevates the entire dish
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 233kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 32g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 80mg
