Scallops with Chipotle Orange Sauce

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Elevate your seafood game with this irresistible Scallops with Chipotle Orange Sauce recipe, where perfectly seared sea scallops meet a bold, flavorful glaze. The smoky heat of chipotle peppers is balanced by the bright citrus notes of freshly squeezed orange juice and zest, with a touch of honey for sweetness. Searing the scallops to golden perfection ensures a tender, caramelized exterior, while the rich sauce, infused with garlic and a hint of soy, coats every bite in tangy, spicy goodness. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this vibrant dish is ideal for an elegant dinner party or a weeknight treat. Serve it over steamed rice or a crisp green salad to complete the experience. Keywords: scallops recipe, chipotle sauce, orange glaze, seafood dinner, easy scallops.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Total Time: 25 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

12 items

• 1 pound large sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon zest of an orange
• 2 pieces chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

📝 Instructions

7 steps

1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures a good sear. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the scallops in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Add the orange juice, orange zest, chipotle peppers (chop them finely or blend for a smoother sauce), honey, and soy sauce. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want more heat, add additional adobo sauce from the chipotle can.

6. Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let them warm through for 1-2 minutes.

7. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a light green salad.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (207.3g)

Calories		281
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		11.2 g	14%
	Saturated Fat	3.1 g	16%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		54 mg	18%
Sodium		1197 mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate		22.2 g	8%
	Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
	Total Sugars	13.9 g
Protein		24.3 g	49%
Vitamin D		0.0 mcg	0%
Calcium		21 mg	2%
Iron		0.8 mg	5%
Potassium		528 mg	11%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 399 cal (34.9%%)

Protein: 389 cal (34.0%%)

Carbs: 355 cal (31.1%%)