Herb And Sesame Scallops With Orange And Fennel Salad Recipes

HERB AND SESAME SCALLOPS WITH ORANGE AND FENNEL SALAD

Steps:

• On a flat dish, combine parsley, thyme, sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon of the lemon zest, and only the fronds from fennel. This will be your seasoning for the scallops.
• Make sure to pat dry the scallops, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Roll the sides (NOT the round-flat sides) of each scallop in the herb mix (like rolling a penny across the table), and set aside until pan is hot.
• Heat up skillet (cast iron is best) and barely coat with olive oil. When skillet is nice and hot, sear flat sides of scallops for 2 minutes per side until opaque and slightly spongy, but not too firm. You want them to cut like soft butter with a fork.
• Set scallops aside, keeping them warm with a foil-tent until salad is ready.
• Time for salad -- Place sliced fennel in bottom of serving bowl and top with orange supremes.
• Add remainder of the lemon zest and juice over the salad.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
• Toss gently and place onto serving plates.
• Place seared scallops on top, and serve immediately.

HELEN VITALE'S ORANGE AND FENNEL SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together the mustard and vinegar in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Slowly add the oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly until fully emulsified. If the dressing breaks while you're making it, stop pouring the oil and whisk what you've made so far until it comes together again.
• Spread the arugula on a large platter. Slice off the top and bottom of each orange. Cut away the peel and outer membranes, then slice the orange cross-wise into wheels. Layer the orange slices over the arugula, followed by the fennel, onion (add more to taste) and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the vinaigrette on top, toss and serve immediately.

FRIED SCALLOPS WITH BIBB AND FENNEL SALAD

Steps:

• Heat 2 inches vegetable oil (about 3 1/2 cups) in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F. Soak the sliced fennel in a bowl of ice water; set aside.
• Toss the scallops with 1/2 cup buttermilk and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl; set aside. Make the dressing: Puree the remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil with the parsley, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a blender until smooth; set aside. Mix the cornmeal, flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a shallow baking dish.
• Drain the scallops from the buttermilk, dredge in the cornmeal mixture to coat and transfer to a plate. Fry the scallops in two batches until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a rack set on a baking sheet; season with salt. Return the oil to 375 degrees F between batches.
• Drain the fennel and pat dry with paper towels. Combine the fennel, lettuce, radishes and chives in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss; season with salt and pepper. Divide the salad among bowls and top with the scallops and fennel fronds.

SEARED SESAME SCALLOPS

Steps:

• In a small bowl stir together sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. Remove tough muscle from side of each scallop if necessary and pat scallops dry. Dip flat sides of each scallop in sesame mixture. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté scallops on flat sides until sesame seeds are golden and scallops are just cooked through, about 4 minutes total.
• Serve scallops with couscous and lemon wedges.