Best Seared Scallops With Saffron Rice Recipes

SAFFRON SCALLOPS WITH CAPELLINI

Steps:

• Place the scallops in a bowl and sprinkle with the olive oil, saffron and one-half tablespoon tarragon leaves. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
• Preheat broiler. Slice the pepper into thin strips, discarding the seeds. Place the strips inside up on foil paper and broil until the skins are charred. Place in a closed paper bag for a few minutes, then remove the skins.
• Place the pepper strips in a blender and puree. If you need to add liquid to obtain a puree, add some of the white wine. Meanwhile, put six quarts salted water on to boil for the capellini.
• In a heavy skillet, soften the shallots in the vegetable oil. Sautethe scallops briefly (about two minutes) and remove them with a slotted spoon. Keep warm.
• Add the white wine and the pepper puree to the pan. Reduce until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Meanwhile, cook the capellini until al dente (about three minutes). Drain and place in a heated bowl. Add the butter and toss so that the strands do not stick together.
• Return the scallops to the sauce, heat through and sprinkle with remaining tarragon. Place the mixture on top of the capellini and serve.

SAFFRON RISOTTO WITH SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Heat butter in heavy three-quart saucepan. Add onion and saute over medium heat until translucent but not brown. Stir in rice and cook, stirring, until grains turn white. Stir in wine and cook, stirring, for five minutes, until most of the wine has evaporated.
• Meanwhile, place the saffron in a small dish and pour a cup of the hot stock over it.
• When most of the wine has evaporated, stir in a half cup of the stock and adjust the heat so the mixture cooks at a steady simmer. When most of that stock has evaporated, stir in the stock with the saffron and continue to cook, stirring frequently.
• Continue adding stock, about a half cup at a time, stirring frequently, until the rice is just barely tender, about 15 minutes longer. You may not need to add all the remaining stock.
• Stir in scallops. Continue cooking, stirring gently, another three to five minutes, until rice is al dente and scallops are cooked. Add a little stock if necessary. Season to taste with salt and red pepper flakes; serve at once.

SEA SCALLOPS WITH SAFFRON AIOLI

Steps:

• Put the orange juice and saffron in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 1 minute, until orange juice is infused with the saffron; stir in the zest and remove from the heat to cool slightly. Whisk the orange mixture and the mayonnaise in a small bowl until combined. Season with salt and set aside while you cook the scallops.
• Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season well with salt and pepper. When the oil is rippling, add the scallops and sear, turning once, until golden brown but still opaque in the center, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the scallops from the skillet to serving dishes, (3 to 4 per person), and drizzle with the aioli. Serve immediately.