Dive into a culinary adventure with our Steamed Taylor Bay Scallops in a Spicy Caper Zupetta—a dish that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! This delightful recipe combines the tender sweetness of scallops with a zesty, aromatic sauce that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also impressively elegant. Ready to elevate your dining experience? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Taylor Bay scallops
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the Taylor Bay scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture and ensures they steam properly.
- In a small bowl, combine the rinsed capers, white wine, red pepper flakes, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to create the zupetta sauce. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring about 1 inch of water to a simmer over medium heat. Place a steamer basket or a heatproof plate inside the pot, ensuring it does not touch the water.
- Once the water is simmering, carefully arrange the scallops in a single layer in the steamer basket or on the plate. Drizzle half of the prepared spicy caper zupetta sauce over the scallops.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam the scallops for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
- While the scallops are steaming, heat the remaining spicy caper zupetta sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, just until warmed. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- Once the scallops are done, carefully remove them from the steamer and place them on serving plates. Spoon the warmed spicy caper zupetta sauce over the scallops generously.
- Garnish with additional capers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread or over a bed of fresh greens to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Quality Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality Taylor Bay scallops for the best flavor. Look for scallops that are firm, slightly translucent, and have a sweet smell of the ocean.
- Prep Ahead: To streamline your cooking process, prepare all your ingredients before you start. This will help you focus on cooking without any interruptions.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When steaming the scallops, make sure they are arranged in a single layer in the steamer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Watch the Clock: Keep an eye on the steaming time—about 5-7 minutes is all it takes for perfectly cooked scallops. They should be opaque and tender, not rubbery.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the zupetta sauce. You can always add more to taste later!
- Serve with Style: For an extra touch, serve the scallops with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious zupetta sauce, or over a bed of fresh greens for a vibrant presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 289kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg
