Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your home cooking game! Our Blackened Scallops with Avocado Corn Relish & Lime Crème Fraîche is not just a recipe—it's a gourmet experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Imagine perfectly seared, spice-crusted scallops nestled on a vibrant bed of creamy avocado and sweet corn, finished with a zesty lime crème fraîche that will make your dinner guests think you've trained in a Michelin-starred kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb scallops
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche
- 2 tbsp blackening seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear on the scallops.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced avocados, cooked corn, and lime juice. Gently toss the ingredients together to create the avocado corn relish. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
- In another bowl, mix the crème fraîche with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor. This will serve as your lime crème fraîche. Stir well and set aside.
- Next, season the scallops on both sides with the blackening seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated. If you don’t have blackening seasoning, you can make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) to the pan, allowing it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned scallops in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they develop a dark crust.
- Using tongs, flip the scallops 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 rubbery.
- While the scallops are cooking, prepare your serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of the avocado corn relish onto each plate.
- Once the scallops are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on top of the avocado corn relish on each plate.
- Drizzle the lime crème fraîche over the scallops for added creaminess and flavor.
- Serve immediately while the scallops are hot, garnished with additional lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your delicious Blackened Scallops with Avocado Corn Relish & Lime Crème Fraîche!
Tips
- Pat scallops completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and the best sear.
- Don't overcrowd the pan—cook scallops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat.
- For the blackening seasoning, toast your spices briefly before mixing to enhance their flavor.
- Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best texture and taste.
- Let scallops come to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
- Cook scallops quickly over high heat—they only need 2-3 minutes per side to remain tender and juicy.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning in your relish and crème fraîche before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
