Cumin-Seared Scallop Tacos
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
- Total: 1 hr 5 min
- Active: 15 min
Ingredients
Tomatillo Guacamole, recipe follows
Cilantro-Lime Rice, recipe follows
Mango Salsa, recipe follows
Cumin-Seared Scallop Tacos
1 1/4 pounds large sea scallops (about 8)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
Tomatillo Guacamole
6 to 8 tomatillos, husked and coarsely chopped (about 8 ounces)
3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced
1/2 onion, coarsely chopped
1/2 jalapeno, coarsely chopped with seeds
2 cloves garlic, smashed and quartered
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
Cilantro-Lime Rice
1/2 cup rice
5 sprigs fresh cilantro
1 cup chicken broth
Juice of 1 lime
Mango Salsa
1/2 cup diced mango
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons minced onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons minced Serrano chile
Zest and juice of 1 lime
Directions
- First prepare the tomatillo guacamole, cilantro-lime rice, and mango salsa and set aside.
- Remove the tough ligament from the side of each scallop and discard. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of each scallop with salt, and cumin.
- In a large cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to get as hot as possible without burning the butter.
- Sear the scallops, turning once, until golden brown on each side, and just cooked through, about 3-5 minutes total. Transfer to a platter and quarter.
- To assemble, toast corn tortillas, if desired, over an open flame just until slightly charred. Fill each tortilla with 2 tablespoons rice, 1 tablespoon guacamole, 1 seared and quartered scallop, and top with mango salsa. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Tomatillo Guacamole
- To make guacamole:
- Combine the tomatillos, cilantro, avocado, onion, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, cumin, and salt in a food processor or blender and pulse until combined.
Cilantro-Lime Rice
- To make the rice:
- In a small saucepan, bring the rice, cilantro, broth, rice, and lime juice to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove the cilantro sprigs and serve.
Mango Salsa
- To make the salsa:
- Combine the mango, tomatoes, minced onion, cilantro, chile, lime zest, and lime juice in a small bowl. Allow the flavors to macerate. Serve as a garnish for the cumin seared scallop tacos.