Imagine a dish that transforms simple sea scallops into a culinary masterpiece, blending the creamy richness of yogurt with the fiery kick of harissa – a Middle Eastern-inspired creation that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a sensory journey that combines delicate seafood with bold, vibrant flavors that will transport you to a gourmet kitchen in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 12 sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the sea scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear.
- In a small bowl, mix together the plain yogurt and harissa paste until well combined. Adjust the amount of harissa according to your spice preference. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the scallops.
- Season the scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. Carefully place the scallops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches if your skillet is not large enough.
- Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them. This will help develop a nice golden crust.
- Once a golden crust forms, gently flip the scallops using tongs. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are opaque and firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
- While the scallops are cooking, prepare your serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of the harissa yogurt onto each plate, spreading it out slightly to create a base for the scallops.
- Once the scallops are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on top of the harissa yogurt. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve immediately while the scallops are warm, and enjoy this delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dish!
Tips
- Pat those scallops completely dry – moisture is the enemy of a perfect golden sear!
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and ensure it's scorching hot before adding scallops.
- Don't overcrowd the pan; cook scallops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat.
- Season scallops just before cooking to prevent drawing out moisture.
- Watch the cooking time carefully – scallops go from perfectly cooked to rubbery in seconds.
- Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best flavor and texture.
- The harissa yogurt can be prepared ahead of time to let flavors develop.
- Fresh coriander is key – it adds a bright, fresh finish to the rich dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 235kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 18g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
