Lemon Sesame Scallops

Prep: 10 min Cook: 4 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Asian

Lemon Sesame Scallops combine tender sea scallops with vibrant vegetables and a zesty lemon sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful seafood dish suited for elegant dinners or weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 yellow pepper, julienned
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 4 oz. snow peas, trimmed
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp. clam juice or chicken broth
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

Instructions

  1. Combine yellow pepper and carrot in a 10-inch microwaveproof pie plate; sprinkle with water and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cover and microwave on High 1 1/2 minutes.
  2. Stir in snow peas. Microwave, covered, 30 seconds more.
  3. Let stand, covered, 2 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a vibrant dish, make sure to julienne the yellow pepper and carrot finely for even cooking. You can substitute snow peas with sugar snap peas if needed. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This recipe is versatile; try it with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist, similar to the flavors in Shrimp Hors D'Oeuvres.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Lemon Sesame Scallops over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside quinoa for a wholesome meal. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed broccoli. For a complete seafood experience, consider serving it with a side of Sole And Crab Cardinale to complement the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently microwave the dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or sauté in a pan over low heat until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to maintain the vegetables' texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Sesame Scallops contains roughly 59 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 529mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

59 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 1.4g 2% DV
Carbs 11g 4% DV
Fiber 1.8g 7% DV
Sugar 1.8g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 528.8mg 23% DV
Potassium 172.9mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 0.7mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 90.7mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 26.6mg 30% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 39mg 3% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat them dry to ensure they sear nicely and avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a lighter flavor, coconut aminos is another great substitute that will still give you the umami taste without the soy.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add a spicy kick, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha into the vegetables as they cook. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top just before serving for an extra layer of heat.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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