Seared Sea Scallops in Mandarin Sauce

Elevate your seafood dinner with this vibrant recipe for Seared Sea Scallops in Mandarin Sauce. Perfectly caramelized scallops are paired with a luscious mandarin-based glaze made from freshly segmented oranges, a touch of honey, and a hint of umami from soy sauce. The delicate balance of sweetness, tanginess, and savory notes creates a refined dish that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to present. Quick to make in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a special occasion or a luxurious weeknight meal. Serve these golden-brown scallops drizzled with the glossy mandarin sauce and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking to explore elegant citrus-infused recipes, this dish is guaranteed to delight your taste buds.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 pieces large sea scallops
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 pieces mandarin oranges
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Peel and segment the mandarin oranges, being careful to remove seeds. Set aside. Squeeze any juice from remaining pulp into a bowl.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Set aside for the sauce.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.

Step 5

Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, arrange the scallops in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and caramelized.

Step 6

Flip the scallops and sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet. Add the mandarin segments and any reserved juice, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Once the sauce begins to simmer, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 9

Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them to coat. Let them warm through for 1 minute, then remove from heat.

Step 10

Serve scallops immediately, drizzling extra sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(867.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1185.2

Total Fat 56.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 209.6mg	0%
Sodium 3801.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 104.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.6g	0%
Total Sugars 71.7g
Protein 77.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 168.6mg	0%
Iron 2.6mg	0%
Potassium 1804.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.0%

Protein: 25.2%

Carbs: 33.8%