Scallops Recipe With Orange Sauce

Scallops with Orange Sauce - a sweet citrus sauce served over scallops is a lovely meal that cooks quickly, looks elegant and tastes divine.

Why This Recipe Works

• Scallops are one of the easiest kinds of seafood to cook and they can be ready in minutes.
• For this recipe, we use sea scallops which are much larger than bay scallops. A few sea scallops go a long way!

Ingredient Notes

See recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

• Oranges
• Lemon
• Sugar
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Coriander, salt, and pepper
• Butter
• Scallops
• Olive oil

How to Make Orange Sauce

When making the orange sauce, you will notice in the recipe instructions that you heat the sugar in the pan first. The sugar will begin to melt and turn a lovely amber color.  At this point, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the juices, vinegar, zest and coriander.

The sugar might harden when you introduce the liquids but trust me, it will eventually dissolve when you place the pan back on the stove to reheat. As you reheat the sauce, continue to stir and the sauce will thicken.

Scallops Recipe with Orange Sauce

The scallops cook very quickly so I make the orange sauce first. The perfectly sweetened orange sauce is a mix of orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, sugar, ground coriander, apple cider vinegar, and butter. After the sauce cooks, I pour it off to the side and quickly pan-sear the scallops.

When cooking the scallops, make sure you dry them first. This will ensure you get a good sear on the outside. Also, be sure to stick close by your pan. Cooking scallops requires a watchful eye as over-cooking can quickly result in tough scallops. You will know your scallops are cooked when the scallops are opaque and the outsides are firm.

After the scallops have cooked, I place them on a plate alongside white rice or quinoa and pour some of the lovely citrus sauce over the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Scallops Taste Like?

Scallops are slightly sweet and have a taste that is similar to lobster. They are rich in flavor and a few will go a long way. When cooked properly, scallops are smooth and tender and will melt in your mouth.

How Do You Buy Sea Scallops?

Buy the freshest scallops you can find. Be sure to purchase scallops from a reputable fishmonger. You will likely find fresh scallops in the seafood section of your grocery store.

Can I Use Frozen Scallops?

Yes. Be sure to thaw the scallops overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw them at room temperature. Rinse scallops and pat them dry with a paper towel before using.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the scallops to the pan.
• Don't overcrowd the scallops in the pan.
• Do not move or touch the scallops until you are ready to flip them.

If you're looking for a wine to serve with this scallops dish, I would recommend a Sauvignon Blanc.

Scallops With Orange Sauce

Scallops with Orange Sauce Recipe - a lovely meal that cooks quickly, looks elegant and tastes divine. | onedishkitchen.com

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Seafood

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 232kcal

Ingredients

• ▢ 3 medium oranges
• ▢ 1 lemon
• ▢ 2 tablespoons sugar
• ▢ 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
• ▢ 1 1/2 pounds sea scallops
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢ 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

• Grate 1 tablespoon of orange zest, then juice the oranges and the lemon into a bowl.
• Sprinkle the sugar in a skillet and cook over medium-high heat until dark amber, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vinegar, citrus juices, zest, and the coriander.
• Return to medium-heat and boil until thick, stirring, about 5 minutes (If the sugar hardens, it will dissolve as the sauce heats and thickens).
• Remove pan from the heat and whisk in the butter. Cover the pan and set aside.
• Season the scallops on one side with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the scallops seasoned-side down and sear until golden, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Flip and cook until golden on the other side 3 to 4 minutes.
• Serve over cooked rice or quinoa making sure to drizzle the orange sauce over the scallops.

Nutrition Facts

Scallops With Orange Sauce

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 232 Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Cholesterol 55mg18%

Sodium 863mg38%

Potassium 385mg11%

Carbohydrates 14g5%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 20g40%

Vitamin A 175IU4%

Vitamin C 14.7mg18%

Calcium 22mg2%

Iron 0.9mg5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.