Honey Sriracha Scallops

Introduction

Honey Sriracha Scallops are a bold and flavorful seafood dish that combines sweet honey, spicy Sriracha, and tender scallops for a quick yet impressive meal. Perfectly seared scallops are coated in a sticky glaze that’s bursting with sweet heat, making this dish a versatile option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

I first made this dish when I wanted something quick but exciting for a special dinner, and it turned out to be a crowd-pleaser. The kitchen smelled amazing as the scallops seared, and the glaze thickened into a delicious coating. These scallops are a great choice for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and spicy, and they pair perfectly with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

What’s great about Honey Sriracha Scallops is how simple they are to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a short cook time, you can have an elegant dish on the table in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a dinner party, or just treating yourself to something special, these scallops are sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight meals
• Dinner parties or special occasions
• Seafood lovers
• Bold flavor enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Honey Sriracha Scallops

Here’s why Honey Sriracha Scallops will become one of your favorite seafood dishes:

• Sweet and Spicy Balance: The honey and Sriracha glaze delivers a perfect mix of sweetness and heat.
• Quick to Cook: Scallops take just minutes to sear, making this a fast and easy recipe.
• Restaurant-Quality Dish: Impress your guests with this elegant and flavorful dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create an incredible flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Honey Sriracha Scallops:

• 1 lb large sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Scallops: Choose fresh or frozen sea scallops for the best texture and flavor. Pat them dry to ensure a proper sear.
• Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the heat of the Sriracha.
• Sriracha: Provides a kick of spice, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth to the glaze.
• Garlic and Lime Juice: Brighten the flavor of the dish and enhance the overall balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Scallops:

1. Pat Dry: Thoroughly pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear properly.
2. Season: Lightly season the scallops on both sides with salt and pepper.

Cook the Scallops:

3. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the pan is hot.
4. Sear the Scallops: Add the scallops to the skillet in a single layer, leaving space between them. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.

Make the Honey Sriracha Glaze:

5. Prepare the Glaze: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combine and Serve:

7. Coat the Scallops: Return the scallops to the skillet and toss them in the glaze to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to heat through.
8. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the scallops to a plate, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.

How to Serve Honey Sriracha Scallops

Honey Sriracha Scallops are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Over Rice: Serve the scallops over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the flavorful glaze.
• With Vegetables: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bok choy for a healthy meal.
• On Noodles: Serve the scallops on a bed of stir-fried noodles for an Asian-inspired dish.
• As an Appetizer: Skewer the scallops and serve as a fancy appetizer at parties.

Additional Tips for Honey Sriracha Scallops

Here are some tips to ensure your Honey Sriracha Scallops turn out perfectly:

• Dry Scallops: Pat the scallops dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown sear.
• Don’t Overcook: Scallops cook quickly; overcooking will make them rubbery.
• Adjust Heat Level: Modify the amount of Sriracha to suit your spice tolerance.
• Use a Non-Stick Pan: Prevent sticking and ensure even cooking with a high-quality non-stick skillet.
• Deglaze the Pan: If the glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor; bottled juice won’t have the same brightness.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the scallops with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for added color and flavor.
• Serve with Rice: Serve the scallops over jasmine or basmati rice to absorb the delicious sauce. The rice also balances out the heat from the Sriracha.
• Marinate Scallops: For deeper flavor, marinate the scallops in the honey Sriracha sauce for about 15-20 minutes before cooking.
• Finish with a Drizzle: After cooking, drizzle a little extra honey Sriracha sauce over the scallops before serving for added flavor and shine.
• Add Lime Zest: For extra freshness, try adding a little lime zest to the sauce. It complements the sweetness and adds a bright citrusy note.

Recipe Variations for Honey Sriracha Scallops

Here are 10 variations to try for Honey Sriracha Scallops:

1. Garlic Butter Scallops: Replace the glaze with a simple garlic butter sauce for a classic option.
2. Lemon Herb Scallops: Use lemon juice and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a zesty twist.
3. Teriyaki Scallops: Swap the honey and Sriracha for teriyaki sauce.
4. Spicy Maple Scallops: Replace honey with maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
5. Miso-Glazed Scallops: Add a teaspoon of white miso paste for an umami boost.
6. Coconut Sriracha Scallops: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy glaze.
7. Chili Lime Scallops: Add extra lime juice and a pinch of chili powder for a citrusy kick.
8. Sesame Scallops: Top with sesame seeds and drizzle with sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
9. Honey Mustard Scallops: Replace Sriracha with Dijon mustard for a tangy glaze.
10. Asian BBQ Scallops: Use an Asian-style BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage for Honey Sriracha Scallops

• Freezing: While scallops are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover cooked scallops in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Special Equipment for Honey Sriracha Scallops

Here’s the equipment you’ll need to make Honey Sriracha Scallops:

• Non-stick skillet – For cooking the scallops without them sticking to the pan.
• Fish spatula – A thin spatula designed for delicate seafood like scallops.
• Tongs – For flipping and turning the scallops without damaging them.
• Small mixing bowl – For combining the honey, sriracha, and other ingredients for the sauce.
• Measuring spoons – For accurately measuring the honey, sriracha, and other spices.
• Garlic press – For easily mincing garlic if needed for the sauce.
• Kitchen thermometer – To ensure the scallops are perfectly cooked (internal temperature of 125°F).
• Small saucepan – For simmering the sauce if you need to reduce it.
• Serving platter – To plate the scallops beautifully after cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions for Honey Sriracha Scallops

1. Can I use frozen scallops?
   Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. What can I substitute for Sriracha?
   You can use chili garlic sauce or your favorite hot sauce.
3. Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?
   Yes, but reduce the cooking time as bay scallops are smaller.
4. How do I know when the scallops are done?
   Scallops are done when they turn opaque and the center feels firm but still tender.
5. What’s the best way to reheat scallops?
   Reheat scallops gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.

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Conclusion

Honey Sriracha Scallops are a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making them an unforgettable dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, these scallops are sure to impress with their bold taste and elegant presentation. This recipe may seem fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, delivering a dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.

Perfect for everything from casual dinners to special occasions, these scallops bring a burst of flavor to any table. Whether you’re treating yourself or entertaining guests, this dish will be the star of the show.

I’d love to see how your Honey Sriracha Scallops turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!