Imagine diving into a plate of perfectly seared, golden-brown scallops nestled on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, dripping with a luxurious honey-soy glaze that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. This Saucy Scallops and Rice recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into an extraordinary dining experience. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a seafood masterpiece that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant, without the hefty price tag or complicated techniques.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb scallops
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This ensures they will sear properly and develop a golden crust.
- In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- While rice is cooking, prepare the sauce by whisking together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a small bowl until well combined.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Season scallops with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place scallops in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and just cooked through.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the seared scallops, allowing it to bubble and slightly reduce for 1-2 minutes.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide among four serving plates.
- Top the rice with seared scallops and spoon the remaining sauce over the dish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and color.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the combination of tender scallops and flavorful sauce.
Tips
- Drying scallops is crucial: Use paper towels to remove all moisture, which ensures a beautiful golden sear.
- Use a non-stick skillet and don't overcrowd the pan to achieve that restaurant-quality crust.
- Cook scallops quickly—2-3 minutes per side is all you need to keep them tender and prevent rubbery texture.
- Let your skillet be hot but not smoking to get the perfect caramelization.
- Fresh scallops make a huge difference, so buy the best quality you can find.
- If you're nervous about cooking seafood, practice with smaller batches first.
- The sauce should be added at the end to prevent burning and maintain its vibrant flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 45mg
