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Homemade Seared Sea Scallops with Garlic Olive Compote photo

Seared Sea Scallops with Garlic Olive Compote

Impress your guests with these elegant seared sea scallops topped with a luscious garlic olive compote!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Garlic Olive Compote:
  • 16 cloves garlic roasted and marinated
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives pitted and chopped coarsely
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
  • 1 unit shallot finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
For the Scallops:
  • 8 large sea scallops
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Garlic press or knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Olive Compote. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to roast the garlic. Take your 16 garlic cloves, drizzle them with a tablespoon of olive oil, and wrap them in aluminum foil. Roast the garlic for about 25 minutes until they are soft and golden. Once roasted, let them cool, then squeeze the soft garlic out of their skins into a mixing bowl.
  2. Step 2: Combine Compote Ingredients. In the same bowl, add the ½ cup of Kalamata olives, 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 finely chopped shallot. Pour in the remaining ½ cup of olive oil, stir in the 2 tablespoons of chopped basil, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Mix everything until well combined. Set this aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the scallops.
  3. Step 3: Sear the Scallops. Pat the 8 sea scallops dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the scallops in the skillet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
  4. Step 4: Cook to Perfection. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them. You want a beautiful golden crust to form. Flip the scallops and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, until they are opaque in the center and have a nice sear. Remove them from the skillet and set them on a plate.
  5. Step 5: Plate and Serve. To serve, spoon a generous amount of the garlic olive compote over each scallop. Garnish with freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your Seared Sea Scallops with Garlic Olive Compote immediately while they are warm.

Notes

  • Use frozen scallops: They are available year-round and just as delicious when thawed properly.
  • Substitute seasonal vegetables: Add seasonal veggies like asparagus or zucchini to the dish for a fresh twist.
  • Experiment with different olives: Try green olives or a mix of olives for varied flavor profiles.