Scallop Coriander Avocado Rose

This is a dinner to remember and sets the mood for Valentine's Day. Known as an aphrodisiac* for many years, scallops are placed at the center of this thoughtfully crafted dish. Make any special occasion a romantic one with our favorite scallop recipe.

scallop valentine's day recipe

Ingredients:

  • 6 large sea scallops
  • 2 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 3 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp lime juice

For garnish:

  • 1 organic edible rose petal
  • 1/4 avocado, thinly sliced (see image) 
  • 1 tsp white Tamari**
  • 1 tbsp green apple, brunoise cut (small diced)
  • A pinch of sea salt

Directions:

  1. Rinse your scallops and then place them in between paper towels to let them dry out in the refrigerator overnight or for a quicker result place a heavy cutting board or book on top for two hours
    • NOTE: It’s very important that the scallops are dried. We can’t stress this enough as it’s the only way to get a nice, caramelized crust.
  2. Remove scallops from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking
  3. Toast the coriander over medium heat just to release the oil and coarsely crack with a mortar and pestle
  4. Coat all the sides of the scallops with the coriander and a sprinkle of salt and pepper
  5. Add butter and oil to a 12 inch sauté pan on high heat. Once the fat begins to smoke gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching each other. See you’re the scallops for two minutes on each side. The scallops should have a nice crunchy golden crust was while still being translucent in the center
  6. Top with garnish and serve a la minute
  7. Sprinkle the lime and tamari over the scallops and around the plate place the apple, roses and avocado

Notes

* The Aphrodisiac Connection: The ancient Aztecs thought the avocado fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male anatomy; while the delicious fruit also maintained a sensuous texture that was unlike any other. In regard to coriander, the book of the Arabian nights tells the tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years but was cured by a concoction that included coriander seeds. And finally, as legend has it, the goddess Aphrodite arose from the sea in the shell of a scallop. Today, there is evidence that scallops’ aphrodisiac classification may be more than folklore mystique. Like other bivalves (mussels, oysters and clams), scallops were featured in a 2005 study that indicated that these little fruits of the sea may hold the potential for raising sexual hormone levels in both men and women. So here you have a potent dish.

** The Japanese Pantry is Katrina’s favorite resource for super premium crafters of Japanese ingredients and Rare Tea Cellar for the finest spices, teas and sundry items.