Spicy Honey Butter Scallops Recipe
Introduction
Spicy Honey Butter Scallops offer a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that are quick to prepare and impressive to serve. This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping in the rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¼ cup salsa macha
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Pinch of salt
- 8 U-10 scallops
- Chives (chopped, to taste, for topping)
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- Crusty bread (for dipping)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the butter, salsa macha, honey, soy sauce, and salt until well combined.
- Step 2: Cut off the foot of each scallop and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Step 3: Using a piping bag, place a small dollop of the honey butter mixture on the bottom of each scallop shell, then top with one scallop. Season with salt and pepper, and add more butter on top of the scallop.
- Step 4: Broil the scallops on the middle rack at high heat for 6-7 minutes. Then move them to the top rack and broil for an additional 1 minute to finish cooking.
- Step 5: Serve the scallops topped with chopped chives, extra lemon zest, and lemon slices to squeeze on top as desired. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder heat, adjust the amount of salsa macha or substitute with a milder chili sauce.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be used instead of chives for a different flavor.
- To add more texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before broiling for a crispy finish.
Storage
Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid overcooking. The honey butter sauce can be stored separately and gently warmed before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to ensure a good sear and proper cooking.
What can I serve with Spicy Honey Butter Scallops?
Crusty bread is perfect for dipping, and simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complement the scallops well.
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Spicy Honey Butter Scallops Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 scallops each) 1x
Description
This Spicy Honey Butter Scallops recipe features succulent U-10 scallops broiled to perfection with a luscious blend of salsa macha, honey, and butter. The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors is enhanced by fresh chives and zesty lemon, making this dish an elegant appetizer or light entrée perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¼ cup salsa macha
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Pinch of salt
Scallops
- 8 U-10 scallops (foot removed and patted dry)
Garnish and Serving
- Chives (chopped, to taste, for topping)
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- Crusty bread (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter Sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the unsalted butter, salsa macha, honey, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt until smooth and evenly combined.
- Prep the Scallops: Remove the foot of each scallop and gently pat them dry to ensure proper searing and moisture removal for better texture.
- Assemble in Shells: Using a piping bag, place a small dollop of the prepared butter mixture on the bottom of each scallop shell. Position the scallops on top, season with salt and pepper, then add another layer of the spicy honey butter over the scallops.
- Broil the Scallops: Place the shells on the middle rack of the broiler and cook for 6-7 minutes on high. Then move the shells to the top rack and broil for an additional 1 minute to achieve a nicely browned and flavorful finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, top the scallops with chopped chives, sprinkle with more lemon zest, and serve with lemon slices on the side for squeezing. Accompany with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious buttery sauce.
Notes
- Use U-10 scallops for a good size – they are about 10 scallops per pound, ideal for this preparation.
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and piping.
- If you don’t have scallop shells, you can broil on a baking sheet but place dollops of butter around the scallops to retain moisture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of salsa macha according to your spice preference.
- Broiling times may vary depending on the broiler strength; watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Fusion (Mexican-inspired)
Keywords: scallops, spicy scallops, honey butter scallops, salsa macha, broiled scallops, seafood appetizer, easy seafood recipe
