Tequila Lime Seared Scallops Pasta Recipes

TEQUILA LIME SEARED SCALLOPS PASTA

Steps:

• Wash the scallops under cold water. Thoroughly dry the scallops with paper towel and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta.
• In a large cast iron, or stainless steel skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil over medium high heat. (I suggest using 12-inch skillet to give plenty of room for scallops.)
• Add the scallops to sizzling hot skillet making sure the scallops don't touch each other.
• Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes without disruption until golden crust forms. If the scallops are stuck to the pan, that means they are not ready. Don't force it.
• Using tongs, flip the scallops and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. The center of the scallops should be slightly translucent. Overcooking will result in chewy, rubbery scallops that no one would care for. Remove the scallops onto a plate.
• Cook pasta al dante, according to package directions.
• Remove the skillet in which you cooked the scallops from heat and carefully add tequila and lime juice.
• Over medium heat, add garlic and cook the sauce until it reduced by half, scraping up the browned bits from the scallops.
• Stir in the remaining butter and cilantro.
• Add drained pasta and toss to combine. Add scallops and serve immediately.

PASTA WITH TEQUILA LIME CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine garlic and shallot with tequila, lime juice and vinegar. Cook until reduced to about 1/4 cup.
• Add cream and cook until reduced by half. Strain out garlic and shallot if desired. Return sauce to heat and whisk in butter.
• Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Whisk into sauce to thicken.
• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta. Add green onions and tomatoes to hot pasta pot and stir. Add drained pasta and sauce and mix well.
• Serve garnished with fresh cilantro, if desired. You can also top the pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon for a heartier meal.

TEQUILA SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Preheat broiler or grill.
• In a bowl whisk lime juice and zest along with tequila mint and ginger.
• Rinse scallops and pat dry.
• Place in a plastic bag you can seal (Ziplock type).
• Pour marinade over and seal.
• Marinate 10-20 minutes.
• Divide scallops equally on skewers.
• Broil or grill 2 minutes; turn brush with marinade and then broil or grill 1 1/2 minutes more.
• Serve over rice, a Greek salad or pasta.