Blackened Sea Scallops
The legendary Louisiana chef Paul Prudhomme started the blackening craze; the method calls for coating seafood or meat in a spice mixture before cooking it in a cast-iron pan. The quick cooking over high heat really seals in flavor as it creates a fantastically flavored blackened crust. Redfish is the traditional choice, but I like the juxtaposition of the spicy rub against the sweetness of scallops. Their meaty richness really holds up well to the aggressive blackening. A simple vinaigrette of green onions adds a vibrant freshness to the dish, as does the smoky tomato relish.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
Sea Scallops
GREEN ONION VINAIGRETTE
Preparation
Step 1
To make the tomato relish, put the tomatoes, red onion, green onions, vinegar, and olive oil in a medium bowl and mix gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2
To cook the sea scallops, combine the paprika, ancho and pasilla powders, white and black pepper, thyme, oregano, onion and garlic powders, and celery salt in a medium shallow bowl.
Step 3
Heat a large cast-iron pan over high heat until it begins to smoke. Brush the scallops on both sides with the oil and season with salt. Dredge one side of each scallop in the spice rub and put the scallops in the pan spice side down. Cook until browned and a crust has formed, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Turn the scallops over and continue to cook until just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Step 4
Divide the scallops among 4 large dinner plates, top each scallop with some of the tomato relish, drizzle with the vinaigrette, and sprinkle some green onion on top.
GREEN ONION VINAIGRETTE
Step 5
Combine the vinegar, 1/4 cup water, the shallot, mayonnaise, and honey in a blender and blend until combined. Add the green onions and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. The vinaigrette can be prepared 4 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.
