Seared Scallops with Jalapeño Vinaigrette

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Chef John's seared scallops and oranges are coated with a versatile jalapeño vinaigrette that's so good, you may want to make it as a stand-alone salad dressing!

Ingredients

1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and membranes removed
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
12 large fresh sea scallops
1 pinch sea salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 oranges, peeled and cut in between sections as segments

Directions

1 Place jalapeño, rice vinegar, olive oil, and mustard into a blender. Purée on high until mixture is completely liquefied, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
2 Season scallops with sea salt and cayenne pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Place scallops into the skillet and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Garnish scallops with orange segments and drizzle jalapeño vinaigrette over top.