| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 178 | 10g | 2g | 6g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 0g | 15g | 0.4g |
I cannot begin to express how much I love this Finger Lime Cilantro Scallops recipe. Born and raised in New Jersey, but with Italian roots running deep within me, my ability to draw the hearty comfort of classic Italian-American cuisine and meld it with a more contemporary, health-focused approach has become a sort of second culinary nature to me.
Visiting the Shoreline through Cuisine
Scallops have always been a dear element of my cuisine, reminding me of childhood summers spent on the Jersey shore. As a grandfather now, these Finger Lime Cilantro Scallops represent my memories made tangible, cooked with care, and shareable with my loved ones. The delicate, sweet flavors of fresh sea scallops are amplified through the refreshing zesty goodness of finger limes and cilantro, culminating in a dish that’s as invigorating as a breezy walk along the beach.
A Perfect Fusion Dish
Finger Lime Cilantro Scallops serve as a fantastic fusion dish, incorporating elements from my traditional Italian heritage with the more exotic, citrusy notes of the finger lime – a fruit native to Australia’s coastal and near coastal subtropical rainforests. This dish in many ways mirrors my love for hiking whether it be the familiar trails of New Jersey or far-flung paths in Australia, it’s all about stepping out of your culinary comfort zone, isn’t it?
You could pair these Finger Lime Cilantro Scallops beautifully with a variety of side dishes – imagine a fresh arugula salad with pear and walnut or perhaps a serving of saffron-infused risotto. Dishes that echo the sophisticated balance of hearty and light fare that this recipe offers.
Packed with Health Benefits
Beyond the absolute delight your taste buds are in for with this recipe, it is undeniably a health-packed meal as well. Fresh sea scallops are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, crucial to heart health and fighting inflammation. In addition to this, they have an impressive mineral profile including ample amounts of selenium and B12. The finger limes in this recipe add a bounty of antioxidants, vitamin C and folate, while the cilantro provides a potent dose of vitamins A, C, and K. A delicious dish that doesn’t require you to compromise on health – what’s not to love?
And there you have it, a small window into why I appreciate the Finger Lime Cilantro Scallops recipe. An expedition of flavor, health, and heritage in every bite, this dish is a testament to both my personal culinary journey and the excitement of what lies ahead on the path of delicious discovery.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of fresh sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 6 finger limes
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of white wine
Method
Step One
Rinse the fresh sea scallops under cold water and pat them dry with clean paper towel. Sprinkle the scallops evenly with salt and black pepper.
Step Two
Warm up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the scallops and leave them undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want a nice sear on them, so resist the temptation to move them around.
Step Three
While the scallops are searing, cut the finger limes in half and squeeze their juice and pearls into a small bowl. Mix well with the minced garlic.
Step Four
Flip the scallops to sear the other side for another 2 minutes. Then, add the unsalted butter and prepared finger lime mixture to the skillet.
Step Five
Pour in the white wine, while using a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Let this mixture reduce for about 1 minute.
Step Six
Sprinkle the freshly chopped cilantro over the scallops. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the scallops are cooked to your liking.
Step Seven
Serve the scallops warm with the finger lime cilantro sauce from the pan drizzled over top. Enjoy!
