The luxury Atlantic Scallops take center stage in this dish, enhanced by a symphony of vibrant flavors of tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs. A dish which celebrates fresh ingredients and transports you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Atlantic sea scallops (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
Prep and Season:
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Season them with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the Scallops:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the scallops to the skillet. Allow them to sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden crust. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Create the Mediterranean Mix:
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and sliced Kalamata olives. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
Add Herbs and Zest:
Toss in chopped fresh basil, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you desire a hint of heat. Stir the mixture to combine all the flavors.
Squeeze of Citrus:
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the skillet, infusing the dish with bright and zesty notes.
Buttery Finish:
Add the butter to the skillet, swirling it into the tomato and olive mixture. This adds a luscious finish to the sauce.
Combine with Scallops:
Gently return the seared scallops to the skillet, nestling them into the flavorful Mediterranean mixture. Allow them to warm through for a minute or two.
Serve with Elegance:
Transfer the Mediterranean Style Scallops to serving plates. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
With every forkful, you’ll experience the symphony of tastes that define the region’s culinary allure, creating a dining experience that’s both indulgent and enchanting.
