Margarita Scallops
Dive into the vibrant, citrusy flavors of the sea with Margarita Scallops, a quick and luxurious recipe perfect for any occasion. Succulent scallops are seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a luscious margarita-inspired sauce featuring tequila, freshly squeezed lime and orange juice, and a hint of zesty lime peel. Garlic and butter add depth and richness, while cilantro provides a fresh, aromatic finish. This 20-minute dish is a celebration of bold flavors and effortless elegance, ideal for weeknight dinners or upscale entertaining. Serve these tequila-lime scallops with steamed rice, crusty bread, or a crisp side salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for seafood lovers craving a tropical twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Scallops
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Tequila
- 2 tbsp Lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp Orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 lime Zest of a lime
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season them evenly with salt and black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add 1 tablespoon of butter as well for flavor.
Once the pan is hot and the butter is melted, place the scallops in the pan, making sure they are not touching each other. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on one side, until a golden crust forms.
Flip the scallops and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Deglaze the pan by adding the tequila, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 30 seconds to cook off most of the alcohol.
Add the lime juice, orange juice, and lime zest to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to slightly reduce.
Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Allow them to cook for an additional 1 minute to warm through and soak up the flavors.
Transfer the scallops to serving plates and drizzle the remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
941 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.0 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.1 g | 96% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 198 mg | 66% | |
| Sodium | 2552 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.2 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g | ||
| Protein | 69.5 g | 139% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 58 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 1264 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
