Orange Scallops
Bright and flavorful orange scallops offer a citrusy, delicate seafood dish perfect for quick dinners or elegant gatherings, appealing to seafood lovers and citrus enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine orange zest, orange juice, olive oil, and scallops in a plastic bag.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour to marinate.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you don't have bay scallops, sea scallops can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Make sure to marinate for at least 1 hour for optimal flavor absorption, but no longer than 2 hours to avoid overly soft scallops.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orange scallops over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with a light vinaigrette or can be served as an appetizer. Consider accompanying them with coleslaw with shrimp and tarragon for a refreshing side that complements the citrus notes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of orange juice to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the scallops rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Scallops contains roughly 97 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, but be sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing. This ensures even marination and cooking.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with lemon juice for a different citrus twist, or even lime juice for a more tangy flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly, but the result will still be delicious.
How do I know when the scallops are cooked properly?
Scallops cook very quickly and are done when they turn opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them while cooking. They typically take about 2-3 minutes per side in a hot skillet.
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).