Scallops O'Malleynamed For An Irish Lass Who Liked This Dish Because It Was Green.
A flavorful Irish-inspired dish featuring tender scallops combined with fresh spinach, green onion, and herbs, lightly poached and baked for a delicate, vibrant meal perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse scallops in cold water and sprinkle with a few drops of lemon juice.
- Mix chopped onion, green onion, chopped spinach, parsley, butter, bread crumbs, and a dash of anisette; knead together.
- Poach scallops in dry vermouth: bring vermouth to a boil in a small pan, reduce heat, and layer scallops in the pan.
- Swirl the pan to cook the scallops evenly, removing them once lightly cooked.
- Drain the scallops and mix them with the spinach mixture.
- Place the mixture in a baking dish and bake for 5 minutes at 400°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try using fresh herbs like dill or tarragon in the spinach mixture. If you want a crunchier topping, consider adding crushed crackers or panko instead of bread crumbs. You can also substitute the anisette with a splash of white wine or omit it altogether for a milder taste. Be gentle when poaching the scallops to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Scallops O'Malley with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the dish. A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with this seafood dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a creamy risotto or over a bed of quinoa, which balances the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the scallops tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scallops O'Malleynamed For An Irish Lass Who Liked This Dish Because It Was Green. contains roughly 525 calories, with 51g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (102% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2104mg per serving (91% 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 use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don't release excess water.
What can I substitute for shrimp if I want to make this dish shrimp-free?
If you want to omit shrimp, you can replace it with additional scallops or use chopped crab meat for a different seafood flavor. Alternatively, sautéed mushrooms can add a hearty texture while keeping it seafood-free.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to Scallops O'Malley, consider incorporating some red pepper flakes into the spinach mixture or serving it with a spicy aioli on the side. You can also add diced jalapeños to the baking dish for an extra kick.
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).