Cajun Seared Scallops With Roasted Onion And Fennel Consomme Recipes

Steps:

• Sear scallops If necessary, remove the small, tough muscle (called the adductor) found on the side of the scallops (often the fishmonger will have removed it), then slice each scallop in half horizontally so that you have twelve pieces. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Season scallops on both sides with salt. When pan is hot, add enough oil to coat bottom of pan (about 1 tablespoon), and swirl to coat evenly. Working in batches to avoid crowding pan, add scallops and quickly jerk the pan to keep them from sticking. Sear until lightly golden, about 45 seconds; with an offset spatula, turn over and cook until opaque throughout, about 30 seconds more (be careful not to turn too soon or the scallops may tear). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and cover to keep warm (if necessary). Repeat with more oil and remaining scallops.
• Serve Heat fennel puree in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm. Spoon 1 tablespoon puree onto each of 12 small plates and top with a scallop slice. Garnish with fennel fronds, and serve.

Steps:

• Puree oil, kumquats, and tarragon in processor. Add vinegar, orange juice concentrate, and mustard; process until just combined. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)
• Combine fennel, radicchio, and green onions in large bowl. Add 3/4 cup vinaigrette; toss to combine.
• Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add 12 scallops and sauté until golden on both sides and just opaque in center, about 3 minutes total. Transfer sautéed scallops to large plate, then tent with foil. Repeat with remaining butter and scallops.
• Divide salad among 8 plates. Place 3 scallops on top of each. Drizzle scallops with remaining vinaigrette and serve.

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat; pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
• Cook scallops on one side until browned, 2 to 3 minutes; transfer to a plate.
• Add fennel and onion and season with salt and pepper; cook until tender, about 5 to 6 minutes.
• Stir in clam juice, wine, and tomatoes and cook until enough liquid evaporates to slightly thicken, 6 to 8 minutes more.
• Return scallops, browned side up, and cook through, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, rub baguette slices with garlic and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
• Sprinkle scallops with reserved fennel fronds and serve with baguette slices.

Steps:

• Finely grate enough grapefruit rind to yield 1/2 teaspoon zest. Peel grapefruit with a paring knife, removing all pith. Working over a bowl, cut three-quarters of the grapefruit segments from the membranes, cut into bite-size pieces, and set aside. Squeeze juice of remaining grapefruit segments into bowl (you should have 1/3 cup juice).
• Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat. Pat scallops dry, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and season with pepper. Saute scallops until deep golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip, and continue to cook until barely opaque all the way through, about 2 minutes more. Divide scallops between 2 plates, and loosely tent with foil. Reduce heat to low, and add grapefruit juice. Cook, stirring and scraping up browned bits, until reduced to 1 tablespoon, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour sauce over scallops.
• Combine cucumber, lemon juice, remaining 2 teaspoons oil, the grapefruit zest and pieces, chives, tarragon, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Shave fennel into bowl, season with pepper, and toss gently to combine. Pile salad atop scallops.