Cajun Seared Scallops With Roasted Onion And Fennel Consomme Recipes

CAJUN SEA SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Cajun Scallops for dinner anyone? Get ready to spice up your dinner plans with this fantastic scallop recipe. ( Remember: It's always best to purchase "Dry" Sea Scallops as opposed to "wet" scallops, because a "wet" scallop has been in a bath of chemical plumping agents to make it look larger, and to have fewer scallops make up a full pound. Wet scallops are also far less flavorful than the dry.).
• Directions: Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add onion, Cajun seasoning, and pepper; sauté 3 minutes. Add butter and garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Add scallops; cook 1 minute or until browned. Sprinkle with hot sauce; turn. Cook 3 minutes or until done. Enjoy!

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH FENNEL

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat; pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
• Cook scallops on one side until browned, 2 to 3 minutes; transfer to a plate.
• Add fennel and onion and season with salt and pepper; cook until tender, about 5 to 6 minutes.
• Stir in clam juice, wine, and tomatoes and cook until enough liquid evaporates to slightly thicken, 6 to 8 minutes more.
• Return scallops, browned side up, and cook through, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, rub baguette slices with garlic and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
• Sprinkle scallops with reserved fennel fronds and serve with baguette slices.

PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS WITH FENNEL PUREE

Steps:

• Sear scallops If necessary, remove the small, tough muscle (called the adductor) found on the side of the scallops (often the fishmonger will have removed it), then slice each scallop in half horizontally so that you have twelve pieces. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Season scallops on both sides with salt. When pan is hot, add enough oil to coat bottom of pan (about 1 tablespoon), and swirl to coat evenly. Working in batches to avoid crowding pan, add scallops and quickly jerk the pan to keep them from sticking. Sear until lightly golden, about 45 seconds; with an offset spatula, turn over and cook until opaque throughout, about 30 seconds more (be careful not to turn too soon or the scallops may tear). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and cover to keep warm (if necessary). Repeat with more oil and remaining scallops.
• Serve Heat fennel puree in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm. Spoon 1 tablespoon puree onto each of 12 small plates and top with a scallop slice. Garnish with fennel fronds, and serve.