SESAME-CRUSTED, PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS WITH ASIAN VINAIGRETTE

Sesame-Crusted, Pan-Seared Scallops with Asian Vinaigrette image

Provided by Bob Blumer - Host of Surreal Gourmet and Glutton for Punishment

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green onion, minced
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, minced
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 tablespoon sake (only if an open bottle is nearby)
12 bite-sized sea scallops
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup sesame seeds

Steps:

In a small bowl add ginger, garlic, green onion, cilantro, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy, 1 tablespoon of canola oil, and sake. Whisk ingredients together.
Place 1 teaspoon of vinaigrette in each soup spoon.
Season scallops with salt and pepper.
Place sesame seeds on a plate. Pat down top and bottom side of each scallop in sesame seeds.
In a saute pan, over medium-high heat add remaining tablespoon oil. When oil is hot, add scallops, placing them sesame-crusted side down. Sear for approximately 1 minute, or until sesame seeds brown. Turn and sear on other sesame-crusted side for 1 more minute. Place 1 scallop in each soup spoon. Serve immediately.
* The same serving format can be achieved with only 4 spoons by replenishing each guests spoon for subsequent servings.
Recommended beverage: cold sake