Scallops With Melon Relish Recipes

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH WATERMELON THREE WAYS, CASTELFRANCO RADICCHIO, DANDELION GREENS AND RED ONIONS

Steps:

• To pickle the watermelon rind, combine the champagne vinegar, water, sugar and 1 tablespoon salt in a large bowl. Carefully remove the rind from the watermelon. Using a mandoline or sharp vegetable peeler, shave the rind into ribbons about 1/8-inch thick. Add the watermelon rind ribbons to the bowl and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Drain and reserve the pickling liquid.
• Dice the watermelon flesh into 1/2-inch chunks and add to a large bowl. Add the Castelfranco, dandelion greens, red onions, pickled watermelon rinds and watermelon radish to the watermelon chunks and toss to combine. Add 2 tablespoons of the pickling liquid and a nice drizzle of oil into the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt.
• Heat a large nonstick pan with some oil over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Pat the scallops nice and dry and sprinkle with salt. Sear on each side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. The scallops will be done when they are no longer translucent, but it's important not to overcook them. Remove them from the pan and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
• To serve, slice the scallops in half lengthwise and nestle alongside the three-watermelon salad.

WINTER MELON SOUP WITH DRIED SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Cover dried scallops with water and soak overnight or at least 2 hours. Drain and shred into small strings. Reserve soaking liquid. Peel and remove seeds of winter melon. Rinse with water and cut into 1/2-inch chunks. In a 3-quart saucepan, bring the 4 cups chicken stock to boil. Add the winter melon, dried scallop and the soaking liquid, black mushrooms, and sliced ginger. Cover and bring to boil over high heat. Lower heat and let simmer for 5 minutes, or until winter melon is softened. Turn heat back to high, add salt and stir in cornstarch mixture. Add shrimp meat and egg whites. Adjust seasoning. Remove from heat. Serve hot with sprinkles of ground white pepper and chopped cilantro.

SCALLOP CEVICHE WITH MELON, CHILI, AND MINT

Steps:

• Start by assessing the scallops at the fish store. I usually inspect every one just to make sure that they're all in perfect shape, i.e. not torn, and fresh with a sweet ocean smell. The next step is to remove the side mussel that connects the scallop to its shell; it's not hard to miss; just pull it off with your fingers. Keep the shells to serve the ceviche in. Using a sharp knife, slice the scallops in half lengthwise into discs; the thinner they are, the faster they'll "cook". Put the scallops in a glass bowl and season with a fair amount of salt and pepper.
• Put the citrus juices, zest, and sugar in a blender and give it a whirl to combine. Add the olive oil and blend again to emulsify. Pour the marinade over the scallops; there should be enough juice to allow the scallops to float freely. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, until the scallops are opaque, i.e. cooked from the acid in the fruit.
• In a separate bowl, combine the cantaloupe, mint, and chili; season with salt and pepper and toss gently to combine.
• To serve: Spoon the scallop ceviche into the shells with a little bit of the citrus juice, and top with a spoonful of the cantaloupe salad. Garnish each serving with some fresh mint.