Seared Scallop Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
When you’re craving something fresh, light, and flavorful, nothing beats seared scallop tacos with pineapple salsa. This dish combines perfectly cooked, buttery scallops with the sweet, tangy crunch of pineapple salsa, all wrapped in a soft taco shell. It’s a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a quick dinner, a weekend get-together, or even a casual taco night. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring this vibrant dish to life in your kitchen!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your seared scallop tacos with pineapple salsa:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Scallops | 12 large |
| Taco shells | 6 |
| Pineapple | 1 cup diced |
| Red onion | 1/4 cup diced |
| Cilantro | 2 tbsp chopped |
| Jalapeño | 1, deseeded and diced |
| Lime | 1, juiced |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic | 1 clove minced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Avocado | 1, sliced |
Time and Servings
| Time | Servings |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 3-4 servings |
How to Make Seared Scallop Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Salsa
Start by making the fresh pineapple salsa. In a bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Add the juice of one lime, and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This salsa is sweet, spicy, and a bit tangy—perfect to balance the richness of the scallops.
Step 2: Prepare the Scallops
Next, pat your scallops dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the scallops. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Be careful not to overcook them, as scallops can turn rubbery. You want them tender and slightly opaque in the center.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
While your scallops are cooking, warm up your taco shells in the oven or on a dry skillet. Once everything is ready, take a taco shell, add a couple of scallops, and top them with a generous spoonful of the pineapple salsa. For added creaminess, you can top it with some avocado slices.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your tacos immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges on the side. The seared scallops paired with the sweet pineapple salsa make these tacos an unforgettable dish.
Recipe Notes
- Serving suggestion: You can add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder salsa, reduce the amount of jalapeño or leave it out altogether.
- Scallops: Fresh, high-quality scallops are key to getting that buttery, tender texture. If fresh scallops aren’t available, frozen ones can be used, but make sure they are thawed properly.
Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect:
- For an even more flavorful taco, you can toast the taco shells lightly on the stove before assembling the ingredients.
- Adding a touch of honey to the pineapple salsa can elevate the sweetness and bring out more depth in the flavors.
- To make the dish a bit heartier, you could serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice or black beans.
How to Serve
Serve your seared scallop tacos with pineapple salsa as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer for your next party. They pair beautifully with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold margarita for that perfect coastal vibe. For a complete meal, consider adding a side salad or grilled vegetables.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Skillet or frying pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon for salsa
Storage
These tacos are best served fresh, but you can store the leftover pineapple salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The scallops, however, should be eaten immediately for the best texture and flavor. If you have any leftover cooked scallops, store them in an airtight container for no more than 1-2 days.
[cal_calc]
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
FAQs About Seared Scallop Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
1. Can I use shrimp instead of scallops?
Yes, shrimp works as a great substitute for scallops. Just be sure to cook them until they’re opaque and tender.
2. How do I know when my scallops are cooked perfectly?
Scallops should be golden brown on the outside and tender, slightly opaque, and juicy on the inside. They cook very quickly, so be sure not to overdo it.
3. Can I prepare the pineapple salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the salsa a day ahead and refrigerate it. This actually allows the flavors to meld together, giving it a deeper taste.
4. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! You can increase the amount of jalapeño in the salsa or even add a few dashes of hot sauce to the scallops as they cook.
5. What type of tacos should I use?
We recommend using soft corn tortillas for this recipe, as they complement the delicate flavor of the scallops. However, you can use flour tortillas if preferred.
Final Thoughts
Seared scallop tacos with pineapple salsa bring a fresh and unique twist to your taco night. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, this recipe is a breeze to prepare but delivers big on flavor. The sweet and tangy pineapple salsa paired with the rich, buttery scallops is the perfect combination for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these tacos will be a hit every time.
