Seared Scallops with Mint, Peas, and Bacon
Seared Scallops with Mint, Peas, and Bacon is a flavorful Continental Global Delicacies dish prepared with quality ingredients. Place scallops on a paper towel-lined plate and pat very dry with additional paper towels.
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Easy Prep ≤ 4 steps · Fast & beginner friendly
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Moderate 5–8 steps · Everyday home cooking
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Expert ≥ 9 steps · Multi-step advanced prep
Ingredients Required
Tap or click any ingredient to check off during cookingStep-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow numbered steps for authentic taste and perfectionPlace scallops on a paper towel-lined plate and pat very dry with additional paper towels.
Season both sides with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper total.
Bring 1 cup water to a boil, covered, in a small pot.
Add peas and 1/2 tsp. salt; cook until peas are bright green and tender, about 2 minutes for fresh and 4 minutes for frozen.
Drain peas through a strainer set over a bowl; reserve cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, add bacon to a large skillet and heat over medium-high.
Cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until fat starts to render, about 3 minutes.
Add shallot and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned and bacon is crisp, about 3 minutes more.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon and shallot to a small bowl, reserving fat in skillet.
Add 1/2 cup cooked peas to bacon mixture.
Purée lemon juice, 1/8 tsp. salt, 1/8 tsp. pepper, the remaining 1 1/2 cups peas, and 1/2 cup reserved pea cooking liquid in a blender.
Add oil and pureé until smooth.
Add 2 Tbsp. mint leaves and pureé until just combined but pieces of mint are still visible.
Divide pea purée among 4 plates.
Heat skillet with reserved fat over high until just barely smoking.
Working in batches and adding more oil if necessary, sear scallops until a golden brown crust has formed and scallop releases from skillet, about 3 minutes per side.
Top pea purée with scallops and bacon-pea mixture, then sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbsp. mint.
Chef's Secret Tips & Serving Pairings
- Serve hot and fresh as a wholesome non-vegetarian meal.
- Pairs excellently with steamed rice, flatbreads, or fresh salad garnish.