Zesty Seared Scallops and Corn Salad for One Recipe

Seared scallops and corn salad transports elegant dining straight to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

These marine gems shine when kissed by high heat, developing a golden-brown crust that hints at culinary magic.

Delicate seafood meets summer’s sweetest harvest in a plate that balances richness and brightness effortlessly.

Crisp kernels and succulent shellfish create a melody of textures that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients redefine into something extraordinary through careful technique and thoughtful preparation.

Each bite promises a moment of pure gastronomic pleasure that feels both indulgent and light.

Your taste buds will thank you for this restaurant-worthy meal crafted with home kitchen simplicity.

Seared Scallops and Corn Salad for One: A Light, Flavorful Meal

• Savor Quick Gourmet Elegance: This single-serving recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 10 minutes, perfect for solo diners craving something special.
• Texture Paradise: Experience the delightful contrast between crispy golden-brown scallops with a tender, silky interior and the fresh, sweet crunch of corn salad that provides a balanced mouthfeel.
• Nutrient-Dense Delight: Packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, this dish delivers a wholesome meal that satisfies hunger while supporting overall nutrition without compromising on flavor.

Key Ingredients for Seared Scallops and Corn Salad

• Scallops: Fresh, sweet ocean delicacy with delicate texture that develops a beautiful golden crust when seared.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point perfect for achieving a golden sear on scallops.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a glossy, luxurious finish to the scallops.

• Fresh Corn: Sweet summer ingredient that provides a light, crisp contrast to the rich scallops.

How to Make Seared Scallops and Corn Salad Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare The Skillet

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and looks slightly rippled.

Step 2: Position Scallops Perfectly

Gently place scallops in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a rich golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.

Step 3: Create The Signature Sear

Carefully flip each scallop using tongs, allowing the second side to develop a beautiful caramelized surface for 1 minute.

Step 4: Add Luxurious Butter Finish

Drop unsalted butter into the hot skillet and use a spoon to continuously baste the scallops with melted butter for an additional 1 minute, enhancing their flavor and creating a silky texture.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Transfer the seared scallops directly onto a warm plate, ensuring they retain their crispy exterior and tender interior. Drizzle any remaining butter from the pan over the top for extra richness.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Seared Scallops

• Choose Fresh Scallops: Select plump, firm scallops with a sweet, ocean-like smell to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Pat Dry Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from scallops, creating a perfect golden-brown crust when searing.
• Use High Heat: Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding scallops to achieve a beautiful caramelized exterior without overcooking.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook scallops in a single layer with space between them to prevent steaming and promote proper searing.
• Butter Basting Technique: Tilt the pan and spoon melted butter over scallops during the last minute of cooking for extra richness and flavor.

How to Keep Your Seared Scallops and Corn Salad Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store leftover scallops and corn salad in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor. Refrigerated seafood maintains best quality for 1-2 days.
• Reheating Scallops: Gently warm scallops in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness. Add a small splash of butter or olive oil to help restore moisture. Heat just until warmed through, typically 1-2 minutes.
• Salad Tip: Keep corn salad separate from scallops when storing to prevent soggy ingredients. Serve cold or bring to room temperature before enjoying leftover portions. Toss lightly with fresh herbs or a touch of dressing to refresh the salad's taste.

Best Sides to Pair with Seared Scallops and Corn Salad

• Boost Seafood Flavors with Crisp White Wine: Pair the delicate, buttery scallops with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, acidic wines cut through the richness of the seared scallops and complement the sweet corn salad perfectly.
• Create Zesty Herb Accent: Sprinkle fresh chives or chopped parsley over the dish to add a bright, green note that elevates the clean ocean taste of the scallops and adds a pop of color.
• Match with Crusty Bread Companion: Serve a slice of toasted sourdough or French baguette alongside the dish. The bread will help soak up the delicious browned butter from the pan and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender scallops.
• Enhance with Citrus Touch: Squeeze a wedge of fresh lemon over the scallops just before serving. The bright, tangy citrus will highlight the natural sweetness of the seafood and add a refreshing dimension to the warm, buttery dish.

Creative Variations of Seared Scallops and Corn Salad

• Herb-Infused Scallop Escape: Sprinkle fresh chopped thyme or rosemary over scallops before searing for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Remix: Coat scallops with Cajun seasoning before cooking to add a zesty, bold kick that transforms the delicate seafood into a robust dish.
• Citrus-Kissed Scallop Salad: Drizzle fresh lemon or lime juice over the cooked scallops and corn salad, adding a bright, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the butter and enhances the seafood's natural sweetness.

Seared Scallops and Corn Salad for One Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Seared Scallops and Corn Salad elevates simple ingredients into an elegant solo dinner. Delicate sea scallops caramelize beautifully over high heat, nestled alongside sweet corn and crisp greens, creating a restaurant-quality meal you can savor in the comfort of home.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 to 5 sea scallops (about 4 to 4 ½ ounces / 113 to 128 grams)

Fresh Produce:

• 2 ears fresh corn or 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) frozen corn kernels
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) cherry or grape tomatoes
• 3 fresh basil leaves

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider or rice vinegar
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a heavy-bottomed skillet by warming of high-heat oil over medium-high temperature, ensuring the pan is evenly heated.
2. Delicately place clean, pat-dried sea scallops into the skillet, arranging them without crowding to guarantee a perfect golden-brown crust, and allow them to sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes.
3. Carefully inspect the underside of each scallop for a rich caramelized surface, indicating they are ready to be flipped with precision using tongs or a thin spatula.
4. Gently turn the scallops and cook on the opposite side for an additional 60-90 seconds, maintaining the skillet’s consistent heat.
5. Reduce the heat slightly and introduce cold unsalted butter, tilting the pan to create a quick butter baste that will enhance the scallops’ delicate flavor and provide a glossy finish.
6. Spoon the melted butter continuously over the scallops for approximately 45-60 seconds, allowing them to absorb the rich, nutty essence while completing their cooking process.
7. Transfer the perfectly seared scallops immediately to a warm plate, drizzling any remaining brown butter from the skillet as a final aromatic touch before serving.

Notes

• Elevate your dining experience by searing scallops with precise timing to achieve a golden-brown crust while maintaining a tender, succulent interior.
• Butter basting creates a luxurious flavor profile and helps prevent the delicate scallops from drying out during the final moments of cooking.
• Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best searing results, ensuring they’re patted completely dry before hitting the hot pan.
• Position scallops in a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee even caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature of these delicate seafood gems.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg