I'm speaking the truth when I say this recipe for pistachio-crusted scallops will knock your socks off.
This recipe is just a few simple ingredients and cooks in less than 15 minutes.
Simply sear seasoned scallops until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, then roll them in a mix of crushed pistachios and lemon zest.
You'll have an "elegant" recipe that is so easy to make. It's a win-win!
How to make pistachio-crusted scallops
Featured Ingredients
- Pistachios. These will be crushed and become the crust for the scallops.
- Scallops. The big juicy diver or sea scallops!
- Lemon. You'll need the zest.
- Olive oil. To pan-fry the scallops.
Equipment Needed
- A small food processor or a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin (or metal measuring cup works).
- A shallow dish.
- A microplane or zest.
- A large skillet.
- A spatula or fish turner.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the pistachios in a small food processor; pulse until they resemble crumbs.
- Transfer the pistachio crumbs to a shallow dish and stir in the lemon zest and ¼ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the scallops on all sides with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and the black pepper.
- Add the scallops to the skillet and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes or until browned, then flip and cook on the other side, about 1 to 2 minutes or until the scallops are slightly firm.
- Use tongs to transfer the scallops to the dish with the pistachio crust; turn and toss the scallops until they are coated on all sides.
- Serve immediately.
Scrumptious seafood recipes you'll love:
- Salmon Nicoise Salad
- Blackened Fish Tacos with Pico de Gallo
- Pepita-Crused Tuna Cakes
- Maple Mustard Salmon with Roasted Broccoli
- Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls
- Shrimp Spring Rolls
Pistachio-Crusted Scallops
Six ingredients and 10 minutes gives you these decadent seared scallops crusted with crushed pistachios and lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 5-10 mins
- Cook Time: 5-10 mins
- Total Time: 10-20 mins
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ cup shelled pistachios
- Zest of 1 medium lemon
- ¾ teaspoon coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1-pound sea or diver scallops, cleaned and dried
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place the pistachios in a small food processor; pulse until they resemble crumbs. Transfer the pistachio crumbs to a shallow dish and stir in the lemon zest and ¼ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the scallops on all sides with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Add the scallops to the skillet and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes or until browned, then flip and cook on the other side, about 1 to 2 minutes or until the scallops are slightly firm.
- Use tongs to transfer the scallops to the dish with the pistachio crust; turn and toss the scallops until they are coated on all sides. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cooking Tip: Be sure the oil is hot before adding the scallops to the pan; this will ensure a browned, crisp crust. Also, don't prematurely flip the scallops; wait until they have a thick brown crust before turning. They only need to cook about 5 minutes total; overcooked scallops are tough and rubbery; perfectly cooked scallops are tender and juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 562mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
Cyndi says
This was really amazing and simple. I would love to know tips for keeping the crumb mixture dry… mine clumped a bit. I made it work and the flavors were delish. Thank you!