Scallops, with their delicate and sweet flavor, are a prized ingredient in the culinary world. Whether seared, grilled, or poached, scallops offer a luxurious dining experience. To elevate the overall dish and create a well-balanced meal, it’s important to choose complementary side dishes that enhance the flavors and textures of the scallops. In this article, we will explore a variety of options for what to serve with scallops, from light and refreshing accompaniments to heartier complements, allowing you to create a memorable and harmonious dining experience.
Considerations for Pairing with Scallops:
When selecting side dishes to serve with scallops, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
Flavor Balance: Scallops have a subtly sweet and briny flavor profile. Pairing them with ingredients that enhance their natural sweetness or provide contrasting flavors can create a harmonious balance on the palate.
Texture Contrast: Scallops have a tender and delicate texture. Incorporating side dishes with contrasting textures, such as crispy, creamy, or crunchy elements, can add depth and interest to the overall dish.
Seasonal Ingredients: Utilizing seasonal ingredients in your side dishes not only ensures freshness but also harmonizes the flavors and creates a connection with nature’s offerings.
Cooking Techniques: The cooking method used for the scallops can also guide your choice of side dishes. For example, if you sear the scallops, consider complementary ingredients that work well with caramelization, such as roasted vegetables or sautéed greens.
Now, let’s explore a range of options for what to serve with scallops to help you create a memorable dining experience:
Light and Refreshing Pairings:
Scallops’ delicate flavor pairs well with light and refreshing accompaniments that won’t overpower their subtlety. Consider the following options:
a. Citrus Salsa: Prepare a vibrant salsa with diced citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and limes, mixed with finely chopped red onions, jalapenos, and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. The citrusy flavors and zesty notes will complement the sweetness of the scallops.
b. Mango Avocado Salad: Combine ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, and thinly sliced red onions in a salad. Add a squeeze of lime juice, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a refreshing and tropical twist.
c. Cucumber and Radish Salad: Create a light salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, radishes, and scallions. Toss them in a simple vinaigrette made with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. The crisp textures and refreshing flavors will provide a delightful contrast to the scallops.
d. Watercress and Arugula Salad: Combine peppery watercress and arugula with shaved Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The vibrant greens and zesty dressing will elevate the flavors of the scallops.
Creamy and Velvety Pairings:
The smooth and rich textures of creamy side dishes can complement the tender texture of scallops. Consider these options:
a. Cauliflower Puree: Create a velvety cauliflower puree by steaming or roasting cauliflower florets and blending them with butter, cream, and a hint of nutmeg. The creamy puree will provide a luscious base for the scallops.
b. Risotto: Prepare a creamy risotto with ingredients like saffron, mushrooms, or asparagus. The creamy rice and flavorful additions will pair beautifully with seared or grilled scallops.
c. Whipped Potatoes: Serve fluffy and buttery whipped potatoes alongside scallops. The smooth texture and rich flavors of the potatoes will complement the delicate taste of the scallops.
d. Creamed Spinach: Sauté fresh spinach leaves with garlic, then stir in heavy cream or crème fraiche to create a creamy and luxurious side dish. The creamy spinach will provide a delightful contrast to the scallops.
Grains and Starches:
Pairing scallops with grains or starches adds substance and creates a satisfying meal. Consider the following options:
a. Forbidden Rice: Cook black or purple forbidden rice and toss it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots. The nutty flavor and chewy texture of the rice will complement the scallops beautifully.
b. Quinoa Pilaf: Prepare a quinoa pilaf by sautéing the grain with aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Add a touch of vegetable or chicken broth and cook until tender. The light and fluffy quinoa will be a great base for serving scallops.
c. Sweet Potato Mash: Roast or steam sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, a splash of orange juice, and a pinch of cinnamon. The natural sweetness of the potatoes will pair wonderfully with the scallops.
d. Polenta: Serve creamy polenta as a side dish to scallops. Prepare the polenta according to the package instructions, and for added flavor, stir in grated Parmesan cheese or roasted garlic.
Roasted and Grilled Vegetables:
Roasted or grilled vegetables offer depth of flavor and a pleasant char that complements the natural sweetness of scallops. Consider these options:
a. Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle asparagus spears with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast them until tender and slightly crispy. The earthy and slightly bitter notes of asparagus will provide a satisfying contrast to the scallops.
b. Grilled Zucchini: Slice zucchini lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill until tender and charred. The smoky flavors and soft texture of grilled zucchini will pair well with scallops.
c. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roast Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are caramelized and slightly crispy. The nutty flavors and hearty texture of roasted Brussels sprouts will complement the sweetness of scallops.
d. Grilled Eggplant: Slice eggplant into rounds, brush with olive oil, and grill until tender and slightly charred. The smoky flavors and creamy texture of grilled eggplant will add depth to the scallop dish.
Wine and Sauce Pairings:
In addition to side dishes, selecting the right wine and sauce can elevate the overall flavor profile of scallops. Consider these options:
a. White Wine: Pair scallops with a dry white wine, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio. These wines offer crisp acidity, citrus notes, and a touch of minerality that complements the delicate flavors of scallops.
b. Beurre Blanc Sauce: Prepare a classic French beurre blanc sauce by reducing white wine, shallots, and vinegar, then whisking in cold butter until emulsified. The velvety sauce with its buttery richness will enhance the flavors of scallops.
c. Lemon Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. This simple and tangy sauce provides a bright and zesty accompaniment to scallops.
d. Ginger Soy Glaze: Combine soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened, then brush the glaze on seared or grilled scallops for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
Conclusion:
When deciding what to serve with scallops, it’s essential to select side dishes that enhance the natural flavors and textures of the scallops. From light and refreshing pairings to creamy and velvety complements, or even roasted vegetables and wine sauces, the options are diverse and exciting. Experiment with different combinations, taking into consideration flavor balance, texture contrast, and seasonal ingredients. By carefully selecting side dishes, you can create a memorable and harmonious dining experience that showcases the delicate beauty of scallops.