Simple Spring Scallops
In the late 1980’s I worked as a flight attendant for a major airline during the start of the AIDS epidemic. In that pre-FMLA era, our company was indifferent to anyone suffering from a chronic disease so employees were asked to donate vacation time in order for sick people to take the time off they needed to get better. Because of that flawed policy, people worked sick. I remember flying to Japan with Sabi who was taking AZT at the time. AZT is a form of chemotherapy that was being prescribed to HIV-positive people in the United States even though the fatal toxicity of the drug had been well documented. Sabi would serve a row of passengers and then go the the lavatory to throw up, serve another row and go throw up again. That was the last time I saw wonderful Sabi alive.
Even after that I stood across galleys from people with lemonade colored eyes as more memorials plastered the LAX in-flight office walls. Not only did many of my fondest co-workers perish in those years but in 1992 my best friend from high school Peter succumbed too. As ominous as those days were, they did ultimately lead to a time when proper treatments for HIV were discovered. Nevertheless, if global neoliberalism persists and governments and corporations continue to place priority on profits over taxpayers, so will our communal problems. More than ever we must realize that we are only as secure as our most vulnerable. Make some Simple Spring Scallops and Cilantro Quinoa. Be well.
Simple Scallops
- 20 Wild Caught Scallops
- Juice from 1/2 Grapefruit
- 2 medium cloves of Garlic
- 1 Tbs. Clarified Butter or Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp. Volcano Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Fennel Seeds
- 1/2 tsp. Basil
- Dash of Cayenne or Black Pepper
If frozen, thaw the scallops in a covered dish in the refrigerator overnight. Pour off excess water. Add all the ingredients to the scallops and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 3 hours or more. Add 1 Tbs. unsalted clarified butter to a frying pan on medium heat. Before placing in hot frying pan, pat one side of each scallop with a clean, dry paper towel and then place the dry side down into the pan. After two minutes, flip the scallops over and add the excess marinade into the pan, cooking for two additional minutes. Remove from heat immediately and serve.
The flavors in this scallops dish were absolutely perfect! They were so simple to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Thank you Chenee!
Such a flavorful dish! I love the acidity the grapefruit adds!
I cannot say enough good things about these scallops! They were so tender and the flavor profile was absolutely delicious!
Scallops are my favorite seafood of all time and I needed a simple recipe to make them. This was so perfect, especially with the bright ness of the grapefruit.
The grapefruit was the perfect touch and something I wouldn’t have thought of. Thank you!
Scallops have always been so intimidating for me, but this scallop recipe made it easy and I love the addition of grapefruit as the citrus!
This is so interesting with the combination of grapefruit and fennel seeds with the scallops, I love it!
Thank you Stine!
Your story about your co-worker Sabi is terribly sad. Hopefully the situation with sick leave and tratment is better now for those suffering from HIV and other serious illnesses. I love scallops and your marinade ingredients sound delicious!
This simple scallops recipe packs a real punch! The scallops were so succulent and full of flavor from the grapefruit and clarified butter!
Perfect and simple. This is a classic scallops recipe that is pure heaven and a must try!
Thanks so much Leslie!
Such a fabulous dish! The scallops were amazing and filled with flavour. I’ll definitely be making this again.
Thank you Jen!
After seeing how delicious these scallops look, I’ve decided I need to cook them more often. Bookmarking this page!
Thank you so kindly Wanda!
That is really a flavorful recipe and I would love to try it, thanks for sharing!
Sorry to hear about your friend, Sabi. I hope things are getting better today. But, this spring scallops dish is wonderful and delicious! Add wine on the side, and it is perfect for our dinner date in.
I’m so sorry about your friend. What a terrible thing to have to live through.
This dish does look lovely and will hopefully bring anyone comfort who makes it.
I love scallops! This dish is so simple and easy to put together but it tastes amazing.
Love scallops. This recipe is packed with full of flavor, easy to make. I would love to try this soon.
I’ve never tried scallops, but this dish looks delicious!
I love scallops and your recipe is definiltey a keeper! Thanks for sharing it with us