Scallops A La Provencale

Cook: 5 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: French

Delicate seared scallops in a flavorful Provencale-style sauce with garlic, lemon, and sherry, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a quick, elegant dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup peanut oil
  • 2 tablespoons minced onions
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 pound scallops
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons dry sherry
  • lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat peanut oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium heat. Add scallops, minced onions, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until scallops are done, about 5 minutes.
  3. Combine sherry and cornstarch, then add to the skillet. Cook until the sauce thickens.
  4. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using olive oil instead of peanut oil. If you're allergic to peanuts, canola or grapeseed oil are good substitutes. To enhance the dish, you can add a splash of white wine along with the sherry. Ensure the scallops are dry before cooking for a better sear. Fresh herbs like thyme can complement the dish well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the scallops over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A light salad, such as a Nangka Salad, pairs well with the dish, adding freshness. For a more substantial side, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover scallops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep them moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Scallops A La Provencale contains roughly 255 calories, with 8g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

255 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.4g 17% DV
Total Fat 5.4g 7% DV
Carbs 47.3g 17% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 598mg 26% DV
Potassium 506.7mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 36.3mg 40% DV
Calcium 214mg 16% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Peanut 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, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps achieve a nice sear. Use the same cooking time once thawed.

What can I substitute for dry sherry?

If you don't have dry sherry, you can use white wine or a splash of lemon juice mixed with a bit of water as a substitute. This will still provide acidity and depth to the sauce.

How do I know when the scallops are cooked properly?

Scallops are cooked when they turn opaque and firm to the touch, usually taking about 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery. They should still have a slight translucent center.

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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