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

Scale

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

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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