This starter of pan seared scallops with chorizo are a real favourite in our house. We just love scallops and they pair beautifully with the salty spiciness of chorizo sausage.
They are served on a minted pea purée, which complements the sweetness of the shellfish and is easily made with frozen peas.
The whole dish can be made in 15 minutes from start to finish, which makes it perfect for entertaining guests or a special meal at home.
Bon appétit!
🥘 Ingredients
For this dish you don't need a long list of ingredients.
You can use fresh king scallops with the orange roe attached or use frozen scallops if you prefer. If you are using fresh scallops make sure they are thoroughly cleaned before cooking.
At the moment I tend to buy my fish online and it arrives frozen. This is a great way to buy fish and seafood as it is much cheaper and more convenient.
The important thing with frozen or fresh scallops is to rinse them well and then lay them on several sheets of kitchen paper. Use more sheets to pat them dry on top too. This is a really important step before you start cooking so don't skip it!
The other main ingredients is chorizo sausage. I like to keep a chorizo ring in the fridge as it has a long shelf life and goes well in so many dishes, from paella to pasta and salads.
For this recipe it's not necessary to use fresh peas. Frozen peas are perfect, need minimal cooking and keep their luscious green colour.
🔪 Instructions
I have mint growing in the garden to use in this recipe, but if you can't find fresh mint use mint sauce, made for lamb dishes. Chop it finely.
The next step is cooking frozen peas. Boil the peas in water for 2 minutes and then drain and plunge into cold water. This will make sure they keep their vibrant colour.
Put the peas in a blender or processer and blend with the mint, crème fraîche and salt. You could even use a potato masher.
If you prefer your purée thinner you can add some of the cooking water from the peas or more crème fraîche. Make it as smooth or chunky as you like. Set aside.
Chop some Chorizo into small cubes and fry in a pan for 2 or 3 minutes until coloured and crisp. Remove the chorizo with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
Use the oil from the chorizo pan and add the butter over a medium high heat.
When the butter is foaming, season the scallops and add to the pan for about a minute on each side. I find it's easier to use tongs to lift the scallop carefully to check if it has a good crusty sear. Aim for crusty on the outside but with some give when squeezed.
Be careful not to overcook the scallops as they will become tough.
Serve the scallops on the peas and sprinkle over the chorizo cubes. Drizzle over some truffle oil too if you like. Serve immediately with some crusty bread.
Scallops on peas with Chorizo....what could be better?
FAQs
In France a celeriac purée is very popular and is one of my favourites.
Try parsnip, cauliflower or sweet potato for a change.
Instead of chorizo try a different spicy sausage or smoked bacon lardons.
Black pudding is particularly good with scallops. Serve it cubed, like the chorizo or sliced and fried. Grilled pancetta, serrano or streaky bacon also work well.
You could make this dish with prawns or with a piece of cod or monkfish for a main course.
It's easy to make the puree in advance and warm it gently before serving.
The scallops should be cooked immediately before eating or they will become tough and chewy when they are reheated.
More fish recipes
📋 Recipe
Scallops with Chorizo and Pea Purée
Ingredients
- 12 cleaned scallops
- 600 g frozen peas
- 2 tablespoon creme fraiche
- 2 tablespoon fresh mint chopped
- 50 g Chorizo chopped
- truffle oil optional
Instructions
- Cook the peas in boiling water for a few minutes until tender and drain.
- Blend the peas with the creme fraiche and season to taste.
- Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and fry the Chorizo until coloured then set aside.
- In the Chorizo pan add the butter and heat over a medium/high heat before adding the scallops for 1 minute each side.
- Pile the scallops over the pea puree then scatter Chorizo over. Drizzle a little truffle oil over if liked.
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Detailed instructions for this recipe, including step by step photographs, hints and tips, can be found in the main article.
Amanda
Hi Alison, Thanks for letting me know. It's a tablespoon of butter. I've updated the recipe 🙂 Thanks Amanda
Alison
How much butter should I cook the scallops in ?
Amanda
Hi Katka, Sorry I missed that. When you blend the peas, add the mint then. I'll update the instructions too. Many thanks, Amanda
Katka
Hi,
When do add the fresh mint ? it doesn't say in the recipe 🙂
Thank you
Sue
Perfect timing, my husband adores scallops and his birthday is coming up!
Sarah James
What a delicious way to serve scallops and so quick to make too. Thanks for sharing.
Sandhya Hariharan
I love the idea of Peas Puree.. they are simply delicious along with seared scallops.
kim
Loved this recipe! It was so easy and had the best flavor. I'll definitely be making again!
Farah Maizar
Now this is the way to have scallops! They look perfectly caramelized and love the pairing with pees. Can't wait to try!
Amanda
Thanks Natalie. It's such an easy and quick dish.
Amanda
Thanks Amy. I'm glad you like it.
Amanda
Thanks Adrianne. The peas, scallops and Chorizo make a great colour on the plate don't they!
Amanda
Thanks Laura. They are great with cauliflower or celeriac puree too.
Amanda
Thanks Andrea. The flavour combinations of sweet peas with the scallops is delicious.
Andrea Metlika
This Scallop dish looks and sounds so amazing!
Laura
It is amazing how great things can become if you combine your favorite ingredients into one dish that looks and sounds amazing! I am sure it tastes incredible, too!
Adrianne
Seared scallops are the best and I love the colour of the pea puree!! Thanks for sharing a great recipe, can't wait to try it. Cheers
Amy | The Cook Report
This looks like such an elegant meal!
Natalie
I love seared scallops, but never tried making it at home. Looks so delicious and easy! Can't wait to try this recipe!
Amanda
Thanks Ivana. The mint seems to have taken over large swathes of the garden and I love the different types too.
Amanda
I agree as there is so much flavour in the roe. We are lucky to get a good range of fish and shellfish here but it is very expensive!
Brian Jones
My idea of food heaven and a forbidden treat given how difficult it is to find scallops here in Hungary... I love the fact that you kept the roe intact so often it is removed and it is such a tasty part.
Ivana at Blondie-ish at Kitchen
It looks very delicious, the green color is amazing. You´re lucky to have at least an inch high mint, I grow it as well, but it´s freezing now, so it is not even in inch high 🙂
Amanda
Thanks Josette. I think the colours definitely seduce, don't they?
[email protected]
I love the base for the dish- so pretty too. Nice sear on your scallops!
Amanda
Thanks Karen, it is so easy too. The colours are great aren't they?
Karen
This is a wonderful recipe and I love your presentation.