Scallop Stir-Fry(For Two)
A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender scallops, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy lemon sauce, perfect for a satisfying seafood meal for two.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. fresh or frozen sea scallops ⓘ
- 2/3 c. water
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. instant chicken bouillon granules
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- dash of red pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1/2 medium red or green pepper, cut in thin, bite-size strips ⓘ
- 2 green onions, bias-sliced into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 c. hot cooked rice or orzo ⓘ
- green onion (optional)
Instructions
- Thaw scallops if frozen and cut large scallops in half; set aside.
- In a bowl, stir together water, lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar, bouillon granules, black pepper, and crushed red pepper to make the sauce. Set aside.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of cooking oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add scallops and cook until they turn opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side; remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add broccoli florets, red or green pepper strips, and green onions; stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return scallops to the skillet with vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the scallops and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over cooked rice or orzo, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quick meal, consider using frozen vegetables to save time on prep. If you don’t have scallops, shrimp or chicken can be great substitutes. For extra flavor, add garlic or ginger to the stir-fry. Adjust the spice level by increasing the amount of crushed red pepper or adding a splash of hot sauce. Browse more Chinese recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this scallop stir-fry over hot cooked rice or orzo for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with String Beans With A Chinese Flavor for a colorful and nutritious spread. Consider adding a side salad or steamed dumplings for a complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make scallops rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scallop Stir-Fry(For Two) contains roughly 992 calories, with 18g protein, 222g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1115mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
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 make this recipe ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. Keep them separate until you’re ready to cook. This allows for quick assembly and cooking, making it a convenient option for weeknight dinners.
What can I use if I don't have cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickener. Use about 1 tablespoon instead of 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Mix it with a little water to create a slurry before adding to the sauce to prevent clumping.
How do I know when the scallops are done cooking?
Scallops are done when they turn opaque and have a slightly firm texture. Avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery. Typically, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat should yield perfectly tender scallops.
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).