Fresh Scallops Food

FRESH SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Season scallops on each side with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat until it just reaches the smoking point. Add 8 scallops to the pan, and saute until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from pan to a warm plate. Repeat with remaining scallops.
• In a second skillet, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add capers, and cook until they open, about 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.
• Place 4 sea scallops on each of the four plates. Garnish each plate with 1 tablespoon fried capers, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs, and a wedge of lemon. Serve immediately.

SEARED SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Place a layer of paper towels on top of a large plate or baking sheet and gently lay the sea scallops on top to rid them of any excess moisture. With the scallops still on the paper towel, grab a large pinch of kosher salt and sprinkle it from a foot or more over the scallops. The height will help distribute the salt evenly.
• Use a pepper grinder to crack fresh black pepper in the same manner, getting every scallop.
• Flip the scallops and season the other side. This is important!
• Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed stainless-steel saute pan over high heat. Do not use nonstick-you'll never achieve the proper caramelization!
• Wait.
• Wait.
• Watch as the pan begins to smoke.
• Now, carefully, because the pan and oil are very hot, use tongs or your fingers to place each scallop individually in the pan, leaving room between them. Once the scallops are in the pan, do not move them or the pan or turn the heat down. You're going to want to, because the pan will be hot and splattering and smoking, but resist! You're getting your hard sear. Don't interfere or the scallops will stick.
• After 2 minutes, use a spatula or tongs to gently turn one of the scallops and assess how dark the sear is. If it's dark brown and caramelized, it's ready to be flipped and seared on the other side for at least 2 minutes more to achieve an identical sear.
• When the scallops have been flipped and seared on both sides, they're fully cooked and ready to eat. Remove them from the pan using tongs or a spatula. Add the butter to the pan and a squeeze of lemon juice and scrape up the bit on the pan to create a sauce. Serve the scallops hot and topped with the pan sauce and another squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.