Stir-Fried Scallops With Sesame Seed

Prep: 60 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 3 Cuisine: Chinese

A vibrant stir-fried scallops dish with citrus and sesame flavors, perfect for seafood lovers and those seeking a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. bay scallops
  • juice of 1 orange
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 Tbsp. peanut or safflower oil
  • 3 scallions, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 small green chili, seeded and finely chopped
  • dash of soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh coriander, chopped

Instructions

  1. Marinate scallops for 1 hour in orange and lemon juice.
  2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet.
  3. Stir-fry scallions with ginger and chili for 1 minute.
  4. Add scallops with their juice and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Add sesame seed.
  6. Add soy sauce to taste and the cornstarch mixture.
  7. Bring to boil.
  8. Stir in the coriander.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more flavorful stir-fry, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a drizzle of sesame oil just before serving. If you can't find bay scallops, sea scallops can be used, but cut them into smaller pieces. For a spicy kick, adjust the chili quantity to your preference. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal, and browse more Chinese recipes for additional inspiration.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or a fresh salad for a light meal. Consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables for added nutrition and color. A chilled glass of white wine or a light beer complements the flavors well. For more seafood inspiration, try other delicious seafood recipes like Teriyaki Seafood Kabobs.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover stir-fried 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 medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid overheating, as scallops can become rubbery if cooked too long.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Stir-Fried Scallops With Sesame Seed contains roughly 125 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2744mg per serving (119% of the Daily Value).

125 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.5g 11% DV
Total Fat 3g 4% DV
Carbs 23.5g 9% DV
Fiber 5.1g 18% DV
Sugar 11.5g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2744.3mg 100% DV
Potassium 548.6mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 55.8mg 62% DV
Calcium 92.5mg 7% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy 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 be sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear when stir-frying.

What is the best way to know when scallops are cooked?

Scallops are cooked when they turn opaque and have a firm texture. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. A cooking time of 2-3 minutes in the stir-fry should suffice.

Can I substitute other ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you don't have orange juice, lime juice can be a great alternative for a citrusy flavor. Similarly, if you need a different oil, canola or vegetable oil can work well in place of peanut or safflower oil.

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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