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.

BASIL PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS OVER PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, rinse, and transfer to a large serving bowl.
• Meanwhile, place scallops in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Pour mixture over scallops. Arrange scallops in a single layer in a large baking dish or plate. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon dried basil over scallops so that only one side is sparsely coated with basil.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high, and melt one tablespoon of butter in the pan. Place 12 scallops basil-side down, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until dark golden brown. Turn scallops, and cook the other side. Cook the remaining 12 scallops the same way.
• In a small saucepan, melt remaining butter with 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Toss pasta with butter and olive oil mixture. Divide pasta onto plates, and top with scallops.

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.

TEQUILA LIME SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is very hot.
• Lightly season the scallops with salt and pepper.
• Add the oil to the pan and gently place the scallops in one at a time. Leave the scallops alone for 90 seconds.
• Gently lift one of the scallops. If the bottom is a deep caramel brown, flip the scallops and cook for 1 more minute. If the scallop is still white or just turning brown, leave it for another 30 seconds or so, then flip it and finish it on the second side for 1 minute.
• Remove the scallops from the pan and onto a warmed plate. Set aside.
• Take the pan off the heat and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the shallots and return the pan to the heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the shallots soften and turn translucent.
• Pour the tequila into the pan. If you use a gas range, lift the pan away from the flame before adding the tequila, then return the pan to the heat. Cook until the tequila has almost completely evaporated.
• Take the pan off the heat and zest half the lime into it, then squeeze the juice from the whole lime into it. Return the pan to the heat for 30 seconds. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
• Take the pan from the heat and add the scallops into the pan, toss with the cilantro and serve.