Spicy Seared Scallops Tapas
Ignite your taste buds with these Spicy Seared Scallops Tapas, a dazzling dish perfect for your next gathering or as a gourmet appetizer. Featuring tender, golden-seared sea scallops infused with the warmth of paprika and a fiery kick of cayenne pepper, this recipe balances bold spices with the richness of butter and a zesty splash of fresh lemon juice. Quick to prepare, these tapas are ready in under 20 minutes, making them an effortless yet impressive addition to any menu. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and served alongside crusty toasted bread, these scallops are a restaurant-worthy delight you'll love sharing (or savoring all to yourself). Perfect for tapas spreads, seafood lovers, or anyone seeking a flavorful small plate bursting with character!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces large sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 whole lemon
- 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh, chopped)
Instructions
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Remove the small side muscle if still attached.
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Season both sides of the scallops evenly with the spice mixture.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the scallops to the pan, making sure they are not crowded.
Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them, until a golden crust forms.
Flip the scallops and add the butter to the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, spooning the melted butter over the scallops as they cook.
Remove the scallops from the heat once they are opaque and firm to the touch but still tender. Be careful not to overcook them.
Slice the lemon in half and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seared scallops.
Sprinkle the scallops with fresh chopped parsley for garnish.
Serve immediately as a tapas dish, either by themselves or with toasted bread on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
198 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.6 g | 14% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.9 g | 15% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 45 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 845 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.6 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 19.1 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 21 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 369 mg | 8% | |
*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.
