SEARED SCALLOPS WITH RED CHILE PASTE AND FENNEL SALAD

Seared Scallops with Red Chile Paste and Fennel Salad image

Provided by Andy Baraghani

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 small red chiles (such as Fresno or Holland), seeds removed, finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely grated grapefruit zest
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
12 large sea scallops, side muscle removed, patted dry
1 small fennel bulb, quartered through root end, thinly sliced lengthwise, plus 1/3 cup fennel fronds
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
Olive oil (for drizzling)

Steps:

Using the side of a chef's knife, mash chiles, grapefruit zest, and 1/4 tsp. salt to a paste on a cutting board. Set chile paste aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high until lightly smoking. Season scallops with salt; working in 2 batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cook until edges begin to brown, about 1 minute. Transfer scallops to a platter, browned side up, and swipe some reserved chile paste on each.
Toss fennel bulb with vinegar in a medium bowl to coat; season with salt.
Pour grapefruit juice over scallops and top with fennel salad and fennel fronds; drizzle with olive oil.