Welcome to the incredible world of Mediterranean cuisine, where every bite takes you on a gastronomic journey. One dish that truly captures the essence and splendor of this cuisine is our Mediterranean Basil Tomato Scallops. When I first tasted this recipe, I was instantly transported to the sunny coasts of Italy, with the first morsel igniting a burst of flavors that was nothing short of a culinary symphony. The zesty combination of basil and tomato providing a tapestry of flavors marks this dish as one you will happily make time and again.
Ingredient Highlights
- Scallops: The star of the show is, of course, fresh scallops. These gifts from the sea are often termed the ‘candy of the ocean’ for their delicate sweetness that melts in your mouth. Seafood Health Facts has interesting facts about scallops.
- Basil: A pillar of Mediterranean cuisine, basil is used for its aromatic properties. Check out Britannica for the history and various uses of basil.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes provide a lovely sweetness and color contrast to the dish. They are a great variant to use because of their explosively juicy nature.
Cooking Tips
- Prepare Scallops: Patting the scallops dry before cooking is a crucial step. This ensures that they sear well and achieve that golden brown color you’re after.
- Cooking Method: The searing process for the scallops requires undivided attention. They need just a few minutes on each side to achieve perfection. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Sauce Preparation: Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing as it develops a bitter taste. Cooking the tomatoes until they start to burst releases their natural sweetness which is vital to the sauce.
Serving It Up
- Presentation Tip: Place the scallops onto a warm serving platter and pour the tomato basil sauce over them. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves.
- Pairing Ideas: This dish stands out when served with a light pasta side dish or a green salad. For beverage pairing, a crisp white wine accentuates the flavors.
- Variations: For those who prefer a touch of warmth in their dish, chili flakes or freshly ground black pepper can be added to the sauce.
Mediterranean Basil Tomato Scallops: Conclusion
The Mediterranean Basil Tomato Scallops is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create a symphony of flavors. Its subtle saltiness, interwoven with bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil, provides a gastronomic experience that is hard to forget. I encourage you to experience this delightful combination of flavors and share your experiences and photos with us.
If You Loved This, You’ll Love These Too!
If you enjoy this dish, you may enjoy exploring other of our Keto Grill Method Recipes!
Mediterranean Basil Tomato Scallops
Equipment
- 1 frying pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh scallops washed and patted dry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 10 leaves fresh basil chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Scallops: Rinse and pat dry the scallops. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Scallops: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place scallops in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove scallops from pan and keep warm.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst. Add fresh basil and stir until wilted.
- Serve: Return scallops to the pan and toss them in the tomato basil sauce. Serve hot, garnished with a few extra basil leaves if desired.