Pan seared scallops are a real favourite in our house and they pair beautifully with the salty spiciness of Chorizo.
These scallops are served on a minted pea purée, which complements the sweetness of the shellfish.
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.
Ingredients
For this dish you don't need a long list of ingredients.
The scallops can have the roe or ears off or attached as 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!
How to cook pan seared scallops
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 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, creme fraiche and salt. You could even use a potato masher.
If you prefer your puree thinner you can add some of the cooking water from the peas or more creme fraiche. 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 sear. Aim for crusty on the outside but with some give when squeezed.
Serve over 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?
In France a celeriac puree is very popular and is one of my favourites.
Try parsnip, cauliflower or sweet potato.
Instead of chorizo try a different spicy sausage or smoked bacon lardons.
Black pudding is particularly good with scallops.
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.
Ingredients
- 12 cleaned scallops
- 600 g frozen peas
- 2 tbsp creme fraiche
- 2 tbsp 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.
Nutrition
More fish and seafood recipes to try
- Squid Stuffed with Prawn and Crab
- Salmon Gravlax
- Monkfish with Chorizo and Rosemary
- Salmon and Asparagus Frittata Bites
- Fish Pie with Scalloped Potatoes
- Seafood Lasagne
- Smoked Salmon Canapes
- Smoked Salmon Mac and Cheese
- Thai Fish Burgers
- Salmon and Avocado Parcels
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Thanks Natalie. It's such an easy and quick dish.
Thanks Amy. I'm glad you like it.
Thanks Adrianne. The peas, scallops and Chorizo make a great colour on the plate don't they!
Thanks Laura. They are great with cauliflower or celeriac puree too.
Thanks Andrea. The flavour combinations of sweet peas with the scallops is delicious.
This Scallop dish looks and sounds so amazing!
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!
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
This looks like such an elegant meal!
I love seared scallops, but never tried making it at home. Looks so delicious and easy! Can't wait to try this recipe!
Thanks Ivana. The mint seems to have taken over large swathes of the garden and I love the different types too.
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!
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.
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 🙂
Thanks Josette. I think the colours definitely seduce, don't they?
I love the base for the dish- so pretty too. Nice sear on your scallops!
Thanks Karen, it is so easy too. The colours are great aren't they?
This is a wonderful recipe and I love your presentation.