There is something truly magical about indulgent seafood done right, and this Scallops with Orange, Basil, and Caper Dressing Recipe perfectly captures that magic. Delicately seared sea scallops are elevated by a vibrant, citrusy dressing that bursts with fresh basil and tangy capers, offering a refreshing twist that’s both bright and sophisticated. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just treat yourself to a beautiful meal, this recipe balances bold flavors and simple techniques in a way that feels luxurious yet approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients that each play a pivotal role in making every bite sing. From the sweetness of the orange zest to the sharpness of the Dijon mustard, every element adds unique flavor, texture, or color to the dish.
- 1 pound sea scallops: Pat dry for the best sear and a tender, juicy bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin for richness and depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds a silky finish and luscious glaze to the scallops.
- Zest and juice of 1 orange: The citrus backbone that brings brightness and zing.
- 1 tablespoon capers (drained and chopped): Provide a briny punch balancing the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped): Offers herbaceous, fragrant notes making the dressing vibrant.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing): Smooths and rounds out the acidic components.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds tang and subtle complexity to the dressing.
- 1 small shallot (finely minced): Brings mild sharpness and crunch in the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing): To balance and pull all flavors together.
How to Make Scallops with Orange, Basil, and Caper Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the orange zest and juice, chopped capers, freshly chopped basil, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and minced shallot in a small bowl. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Letting it rest while you prepare the scallops allows those vibrant flavors to meld beautifully, making the dressing a lively companion to the seafood.
Step 2: Season the Scallops
Pat your sea scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps them brown nicely. Lightly season each one with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Proper seasoning is key here to amplify the natural sweetness of the scallops without overpowering their delicate flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Scallops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place scallops in a single layer without crowding the pan; overcrowding steams them rather than searing. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side until a golden crust forms, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through and opaque.
Step 4: Finish with Butter
In the last minute of cooking, add the butter to the pan. As it melts, tilt the skillet slightly and spoon the butter over the scallops. This little indulgence creates a rich, glossy coating that’s absolutely irresistible and enhances the scallops’ flavor.
Step 5: Plate and Dress
Transfer the scallops to a serving plate, then drizzle generously with the orange, basil, and caper dressing. Serve immediately while everything is still warm, so the fresh, zesty dressing complements the hot, buttery scallops perfectly.
How to Serve Scallops with Orange, Basil, and Caper Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, consider garnishing with a few whole basil leaves for a fresh green touch or additional orange zest to amplify citrus notes. A sprinkle of finely chopped capers on top adds a pop of color and an extra briny bite that complements the dressing beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines alongside light, refreshing side dishes. A crisp mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the scallops. Creamy risotto or buttery crusty bread are fantastic companions that soak up the flavorful dressing, making every bite even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these scallops over a bed of lightly dressed arugula or baby spinach for a colorful and elegant presentation. Alternatively, placing scallops over a small scoop of citrus-infused couscous or quinoa adds texture and an appealing visual contrast. For dinner parties, consider plating scallops individually on small plates with a spoonful of dressing artfully drizzled for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked scallops and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the scallops tender and prevents the dressing from diluting or overpowering the flavor. Eat within 1 to 2 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze cooked scallops with the dressing, as the texture can suffer once thawed. However, you can freeze raw, dry-packed scallops for up to three months and prepare the dish fresh when you’re ready to enjoy that vibrant combination once more.
Reheating
To gently reheat leftovers, warm the scallops in a skillet over low heat just until heated through, adding a small knob of butter to keep them moist. Avoid the microwave, which can toughen scallops. Dress them again with fresh dressing before serving to revive that bright, fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this Scallops with Orange, Basil, and Caper Dressing Recipe?
Frozen scallops can work, but it’s crucial to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture that prevents a good sear. Using dry-packed, not water-packed scallops always yields the best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Absolutely! The dish is naturally gluten-free, and you can make it dairy-free by simply omitting the butter during cooking. Olive oil alone still produces deliciously seared scallops with all the vibrant dressing flavors.
What type of wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp, citrusy white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the bright orange and basil flavors perfectly. Its acidity balances the richness of the scallops and butter.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes! The dressing can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before drizzling over the warm scallops for maximum flavor impact.
How do I know when the scallops are perfectly cooked?
Cook scallops until they develop a golden crust and become opaque in the center, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. They should feel firm but still have a touch of give. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch them carefully!
Final Thoughts
There’s an undeniable charm in this Scallops with Orange, Basil, and Caper Dressing Recipe that makes it quickly become a favorite in any seafood lover’s repertoire. Simple techniques combined with fresh, vibrant flavors create a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. I encourage you to whip this up for your next meal—its bright, herbacious dressing paired with buttery scallops is sure to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to join your table!
Print
Scallops with Orange, Basil, and Caper Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicate and flavorful seafood dish featuring seared sea scallops topped with a refreshing orange, basil, and caper dressing. Perfect for an elegant yet simple main course, this recipe balances citrus brightness with herbal and briny notes.
Ingredients
Scallops
- 1 pound sea scallops (patted dry)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Dressing
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon capers (drained and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small shallot (finely minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange zest and juice, chopped capers, fresh basil, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and minced shallot. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season the scallops: Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper to ensure even flavor.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until the oil is hot but not smoking, creating the perfect surface for searing.
- Sear the scallops: Add the scallops to the skillet in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip each scallop carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until they are just cooked through.
- Finish with butter: During the last minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Spoon the melted butter over the scallops continuously to add richness and moisture.
- Serve: Remove scallops from the skillet and arrange on a serving plate. Drizzle the prepared orange, basil, and caper dressing over the scallops immediately. Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad, risotto, or crusty bread.
- For extra brightness in the dressing, add a splash of white wine.
- Use only dry-packed scallops for best searing results; avoid previously frozen or wet-packed scallops.
- Omitting butter makes this recipe dairy-free while maintaining flavor.
