If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and carries the sunny vibe of the tropics, the Island-Style Seared Scallops with Mango Salsa Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe perfectly balances the delicate, buttery sweetness of perfectly seared scallops with the zesty, colorful pop of homemade mango salsa. It’s simple to prepare yet impressively sophisticated, making it the ideal choice whether you’re treating yourself on a weeknight or looking to wow guests with a truly memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each element plays a special role—whether it’s the scallops’ tender texture, the salsa’s tropical brightness, or the subtle notes the butter and lime bring out in every bite.
- 1 pound large sea scallops: Pat them dry for a perfect sear and caramelized crust.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A neutral oil that helps sear scallops beautifully without overpowering flavor.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the scallops.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- Juice of ½ lime: Brightens the dish and adds a subtle tang during cooking.
- 1 ripe mango, diced: The star ingredient in the salsa bringing sweetness and tropical flair.
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons red onion, minced: Contributes a mild pungency that balances the sweetness.
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced: Offers a gentle kick without overwhelming heat.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped: Infuses a fresh, herbal note that ties it all together.
- Juice of 1 lime: Lends acidity to the salsa, keeping it lively and fresh.
- Salt to taste: To season the salsa just right, enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Island-Style Seared Scallops with Mango Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mango Salsa
Start by mixing the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Refrigerating the salsa while you cook allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a bright and refreshing complement to the scallops.
Step 2: Season and Dry the Scallops
Next, make sure your scallops are as dry as possible by patting them with paper towels. This is the secret for achieving that golden, caramelized crust. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Proper seasoning is crucial to bring out their natural sweetness and depth.
Step 3: Sear the Scallops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the scallops in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan, which helps them sear evenly instead of steaming. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, allowing a golden crust to form while the inside stays tender.
Step 4: Add Butter and Lime Juice
In the last 30 seconds of cooking, add butter to the pan along with a squeeze of lime juice. This finishing touch enhances the scallops with a luscious, tangy richness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the mango salsa.
Step 5: Plate and Serve Immediately
Remove the scallops from the skillet and plate them immediately. Top each serving generously with the chilled mango salsa to maximize the contrast between warm, seared seafood and cool, zesty fruit.
How to Serve Island-Style Seared Scallops with Mango Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra garnishes can elevate this dish beautifully. Think freshly chopped cilantro sprigs or thin lime wedges on the side to add a touch of freshness and an extra zing. You can also sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes for a delightful crunch that enhances the island vibe.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, pair the scallops with coconut rice or a crisp tropical slaw. These sides bring complementary textures and flavors—creamy, nutty rice or crisp, tangy slaw offer fantastic balance, making every bite a harmonious celebration of the tropics.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the scallops on individual banana leaves, or use hollowed-out mini coconuts to hold the mango salsa. These playful presentations not only look stunning but also deepen the island-style experience, turning dinner into a mini getaway on a plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the scallops and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the textures intact and prevents the salsa from making the scallops soggy. Consume within 1 to 2 days for the best taste.
Freezing
Scallops are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze them, do so before cooking. Place uncooked scallops in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and consume within 2 months. Since fresh mango salsa doesn’t freeze well, prepare it fresh for every meal.
Reheating
To reheat scallops, use a skillet over low heat to gently warm them without drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery. Serve immediately with fresh mango salsa to keep the dish’s fresh appeal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this Island-Style Seared Scallops with Mango Salsa Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before searing. This ensures you still get a beautiful crust and tender scallops.
Is the mango salsa spicy?
It has a mild kick from the jalapeño, but you can control the heat by adjusting or omitting the pepper to suit your taste.
Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the salsa a few hours in advance helps the flavors meld and intensify for a tastier salsa.
What can I serve instead of coconut rice?
Quinoa, jasmine rice, or even a simple green salad work wonderfully as alternatives to coconut rice, keeping the dish fresh and balanced.
Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free, and you can make it dairy-free by skipping the butter or using a dairy-free alternative.
Final Thoughts
The Island-Style Seared Scallops with Mango Salsa Recipe is a joyful dish that brings sunshine to your plate with every bite. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with vibrant flavors, and endlessly satisfying. I truly hope you try making this recipe soon and share it with the people you love—it’s the kind of meal that turns a regular dinner into a special occasion.
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Island-Style Seared Scallops with Mango Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Island-Style Seared Scallops with Mango Salsa recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors inspired by Caribbean cuisine. Tender, golden-brown scallops are pan-seared to perfection and topped with a fresh, vibrant mango salsa that adds a tropical zest to the dish. Ideal for a quick and elegant main course that highlights fresh seafood and bright, bold ingredients.
Ingredients
Scallops
- 1 pound large sea scallops, patted dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lime
Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons red onion, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Mango Salsa: In a bowl, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, minced red onion, seeded and minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to blend all flavors together and refrigerate the salsa while cooking the scallops to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season and Dry Scallops: Pat the scallops thoroughly dry using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides of the scallops with salt and black pepper evenly.
- Sear the Scallops: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they achieve a golden brown crust and are just cooked through.
- Finish with Butter and Lime: In the last 30 seconds of cooking, add the unsalted butter and squeeze half a lime over the scallops in the pan. This step enhances flavor and adds a subtle richness. Let the butter melt and coat the scallops before removing from heat.
- Serve: Remove scallops from the skillet and immediately plate them. Top each serving generously with the chilled mango salsa. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure scallops are completely dry before searing to develop the best crust and prevent steaming.
- The mango salsa can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated to deepen the flavor profile.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or a tropical slaw for a full Caribbean-inspired meal.
- To keep the recipe dairy-free, omit the butter during the searing step.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired
