What Goes With Scallops?
Scallops can be paired with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments to enhance their flavors.
Some popular options include refreshing summer squash salad, peas and pancetta, zucchini pie, mashed potatoes with roasted shallots, creamed kale with mushrooms, garlic-herb linguine, roasted sugar snap peas, lemon asparagus risotto, succotash, spinach and pomegranate salad, and scallops with pancetta and Brussels sprouts.
Other options such as mango avocado salsa, lemon caper pasta, fettuccine alfredo, chorizo and corn, grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, couscous, bacon-wrapped scallops, steak, shrimp, light soup, and various sauces like sweet chutney, spicy curry sauce, avocado with honey and dijon mustard dip, citrusy cilantro lime sauce, and spiked jalapeno bourbon sauce also pair well with scallops.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. The term “scallop” actually refers to the mollusk itself, while the edible portion is called the “adductor muscle.”
2. Scallops have the impressive ability to swim by rapidly clapping their shells together, propelling themselves through the water.
3. The white strip or “nacre” found on the edge of a scallop shell is called the “lion’s mane,” and it is used to scare off potential predators.
4. Scallops are highly sensitive to changes in water quality and can act as bioindicators, providing valuable information about the health of marine ecosystems.
5. The largest scallop species known to date is the great scallop (Pecten maximus), which can grow up to 9 inches in diameter and live for over 20 years.
Refreshing Summer Squash Salad
When it comes to finding the perfect side dish to pair with scallops, a refreshing summer squash salad is an excellent choice. This light and vibrant salad offers a delightful contrast to the richness and delicate flavors of scallops.
To create this enticing dish, start by thinly slicing colorful summer squash, such as yellow or green zucchini. Then, add a variety of other fresh and crisp vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Toss these ingredients together with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, which adds a zesty and refreshing element to the salad.
Additionally, adding some herbs, such as basil or mint, can elevate the flavors even further, making each bite a burst of summer freshness.
- Thinly slice colorful summer squash
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions
- Toss with a tangy lemon vinaigrette
- Consider adding herbs such as basil or mint to enhance flavors
“This is the perfect side dish to pair with scallops. It offers a delightful contrast to their richness and delicate flavors.”
Peas And Pancetta
Another superb option to accompany your scallops is a dish that combines sweet peas and crispy pancetta. This side dish not only provides a wonderful contrast in textures, but it also creates a harmonious combination of flavors. To prepare this tantalizing dish, start by sautéing diced pancetta until it becomes crispy and releases its savory aroma. Then, add fresh or frozen peas to the pan and cook them until they become tender. The sweetness of the peas perfectly balances the saltiness and richness of the pancetta. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding some aromatic herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, which will complement both the scallops and the peas.
Zucchini Pie
If you’re looking for a more substantial side dish to serve with scallops, a zucchini pie can be an excellent choice. This savory dish combines the delicate flavors of zucchini with a flaky, buttery crust.
To create this delectable pie, start by sautéing sliced zucchini in olive oil until it becomes tender and lightly caramelized. Then, mix the cooked zucchini with creamy ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme.
Pour this mixture into a prepared pie crust and bake until golden and bubbling. The combination of the sweet zucchini, creamy cheese, and crisp pastry creates a delightful contrast that perfectly complements the scallops.
- Sauté sliced zucchini in olive oil until tender and lightly caramelized
- Mix cooked zucchini with creamy ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs
- Pour the mixture into a prepared pie crust and bake until golden and bubbling
“The combination of the sweet zucchini, creamy cheese, and crisp pastry creates a delightful contrast that perfectly complements the scallops.”
Mashed Potatoes With Roasted Shallots
For a classic and comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with scallops, mashed potatoes with roasted shallots is an excellent choice. The creamy and rich mashed potatoes, combined with the slightly sweet and caramelized flavors of roasted shallots, create a luxurious accompaniment to the scallops.
To prepare this dish, start by boiling potatoes until they are soft and tender. Meanwhile, roast shallots in the oven until they become golden and sweet. Mash the potatoes with butter, cream, and roasted shallots, creating a velvety-textured dish with layers of flavor. The smooth and buttery mashed potatoes provide a perfect backdrop for the delicate scallops to shine.
Creamed Kale With Mushrooms
If you want to enhance your meal with scallops, try serving them with a flavorful creamed kale and mushroom side dish. This dish adds richness and depth to your dining experience. Begin by sautéing sliced mushrooms and chopped garlic in olive oil until they turn golden and become fragrant. Next, add chopped kale and cook until it wilts. Lastly, pour a mixture of cream and Parmesan cheese into the pan and let it simmer until it thickens. The creamy sauce complements the tender scallops, while the mushrooms and kale contribute savory and robust flavors to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good side dishes for scallops?
Scallops can be paired with a variety of delicious side dishes to enhance the overall meal. Some good options include a refreshing summer squash salad, which complements the delicate flavors of scallops with its light and crisp texture. Another excellent choice is creamy mashed potatoes with roasted shallots, which provides a rich and savory accompaniment to the scallops. Additionally, roasted sugar snap peas offer a delightful burst of sweetness and crunch that perfectly balances the tender scallops.
Are scallops romantic?
Scallops possess a unique ability to add a touch of romance to any occasion. Their succulent and sweet meat, often deemed an aphrodisiac, makes them a favorite inclusion in date night or Valentine’s Day celebrations. Moreover, their quick cooking time grants you precious moments to cherish with your beloved, further enhancing the allure of these delectable creatures. From their luxurious taste to the sheer ease of preparing them, scallops have an unmistakable charm that makes them simply irresistible in romantic settings.
Can you eat raw scallop?
Yes, it is absolutely safe and delicious to consume raw scallops. Freshly shucked from their shells, these raw delicacies provide a unique and exquisite dining experience. Not only are raw scallops edible, but they also offer an incredible burst of flavors and textures that can be truly enjoyed. So, go ahead and indulge in the delightful taste of raw scallops – you won’t be disappointed!
How long should scallops be cooked?
When cooking scallops, timing is crucial. It is generally recommended to cook scallops for about 2 minutes on one side, ensuring a nice sear. The cooking time for the other side can vary, ranging anywhere from 10 seconds to 2 minutes. The key is to observe the texture of the scallops – if they feel mushy, they are undercooked; if they are overly firm, they are overcooked. The ideal result is achieved when the scallops are springy to the touch, indicating that they have been cooked to perfection.