Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but short on time? This Scallops in Garlic Sauce recipe is your answer! It's a surprisingly easy dish to make at home, bursting with fresh flavors and ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this simple yet stunning dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the Scallops: Gently pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear. Toss the scallops with cornstarch, ensuring they're evenly coated.
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Sear the Scallops: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the scallops to the pan in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour in the sherry (or chicken broth), soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly.
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Return Scallops: Add the seared scallops back to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the sauce. Let them simmer for another minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the scallops.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with the sliced green onions. Serve the scallops immediately over a bed of cooked rice. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the scallops in batches ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
- Pat the scallops dry: This simple step makes all the difference in achieving a beautiful sear.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
- Use fresh, high-quality scallops: The flavor of the dish relies heavily on the quality of the scallops.
Variations:
- Spicy Scallops: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Ginger Scallops: Incorporate a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger along with the garlic for a zesty twist.
- Lemon Scallops: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This easy and delicious Scallops in Garlic Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect example of how quick, healthy meals can also be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Try it tonight and experience the magic of homemade cooking!