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Scallops with Spice Oil

4.8

(24)

Image may contain Food and Seasoning
Scallops with Spice OilRomulo Yanes

Blooming spices, or gently frying them in oil, is a quick way to deepen their flavor.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    20 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

Spice oil:

1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
6 black peppercorns plus freshly ground for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more
1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon (or more) fresh lemon juice

Scallops:

1 1/2 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil
8 large or 12 medium sea scallops, side muscle removed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups mixed cilantro and flat-leaf parsley with tender stems
Olive oil (for drizzling)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Special Equipment

A spice mill

Preparation

  1. For spice oil:

    Step 1

    Grind first 4 ingredients and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a fine powder in spice mill. Transfer to a small saucepan over medium-low heat; add oil. Cook until oil begins to simmer, 2-3 minutes. Scrape into a small bowl; stir in garlic and lemon zest. Let cool for 5 minutes, then stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and more juice, if desired. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm before using.

  2. For scallops:

    Step 2

    Heat grapeseed oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat until oil begins to smoke. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Sear until well browned, about 3 minutes. Turn; cook until just barely opaque in center, about 30 seconds longer.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, place herbs in a medium bowl and drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over; season salad to taste with salt and pepper. Divide scallops between 2 plates; spoon 1 tablespoon spice oil over each plate (reserve remaining oil for another use). Garnish with salad.

Nutrition Per Serving

Per serving: 290 calories
25 g fat
2 g fiber
#### Nutritional analysis provided by Bon Appétit
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