Grilled Scallops with Fennel Slaw

Grilled Scallops with Fennel Slaw Recipe from Macedonia

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Grilled Scallops with Fennel Slaw is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of tender sea scallops with a tangy fennel slaw. This recipe is perfect for a light and healthy meal that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional grilled scallops, which have been enjoyed for centuries. The addition of the fennel slaw adds a unique and flavorful element to the dish, making it a standout recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients

1.5 gallons thinly sliced fennel
1.5 qt (1.42 liters) California ripe olives, wedged
3 cups chopped dill
1.5 cups lemon juice
0.75 cup olive oil
0.33 cup white wine vinegar
2 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp ground black pepper
9 lb (4.08 kg) sea scallops
1.5 cups sliced almonds, toasted
12 inches skewers

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine fennel, California ripe olives, dill, lemon juice, 0.5 cup of olive oil, and vinegar.
Season with 1.5 tbsp of salt and pepper.
Cover and set aside for at least 15 minutes.
While the fennel is marinating, toss scallops with the remaining oil, season with the remaining salt, and thread onto skewers for grilling.
Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes on each side.
Remove the cooked scallops from the skewers and plate them on top of the slaw.
Sprinkle with almonds and serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or fish for the scallops for a different flavor profile.
Add diced avocado or mango to the slaw for a tropical twist.
Drizzle with a balsamic glaze or citrus vinaigrette for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thinly slice the fennel to ensure that it marinates well and adds a crisp texture to the slaw.

- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.

- Grilling the scallops over medium-high heat will help them cook evenly and develop a nice sear on the outside.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Grilled Scallops with Fennel Slaw as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a citrusy cocktail for a refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the scallops adds a smoky flavor and caramelizes the outside for a delicious crust.

- Marinating the fennel slaw allows the flavors to meld together and develop a more complex taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use green olives or capers instead of California ripe olives for a different flavor.

- Replace almonds with pine nuts or walnuts for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fennel slaw ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

- Marinate the scallops in advance and grill them just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Grilled Scallops with Fennel Slaw on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. - Arrange the scallops on individual plates with a generous portion of slaw for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a light and crisp wine pairing.

- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the scallops in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 300 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Fennel: 1.5g per serving

- California ripe olives: 0g per serving

- Lemon juice: 2g per serving

- Almonds: 3g per serving

Fats

- Olive oil: 10g per serving

Proteins

- Sea scallops: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Fennel is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

- Almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats.

Alergens

Contains shellfish (scallops) and tree nuts (almonds)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. It is low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a nutritious option for a balanced diet.

Summary

Grilled Scallops with Fennel Slaw is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender scallops and tangy fennel slaw for a satisfying and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Grilled Scallops with Fennel Slaw. It was a warm summer day, and I was attending a cooking class at a local community center. The instructor, a seasoned chef with a passion for seafood, demonstrated how to prepare this dish with such finesse and expertise that I was immediately captivated.

As I watched him grill the scallops to perfection and mix the fennel slaw with a delicate balance of flavors, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. So, I eagerly took notes and asked questions, determined to recreate this culinary masterpiece in my own kitchen.

After the class ended, I approached the chef and asked him for the recipe. To my surprise, he smiled and said, "I learned this recipe from a dear friend of mine who used to be a fisherman in the Mediterranean. He taught me the secrets of cooking seafood with love and respect for the ingredients."

I was intrigued by the story behind the recipe and knew that I had to learn more. So, I asked the chef if he could introduce me to his friend. To my delight, he agreed and arranged for me to meet the former fisherman the following week.

When I arrived at his quaint seaside cottage, I was greeted with the aroma of fresh seafood and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The fisherman, a weathered man with a twinkle in his eye, welcomed me warmly and invited me into his humble kitchen.

As we sat down to chat, he told me stories of his days at sea and how he had learned to cook from his grandmother, who passed down her recipes through generations. He explained that the key to cooking seafood was to use the freshest ingredients and to let the natural flavors shine through.

He then proceeded to show me how to prepare the Grilled Scallops with Fennel Slaw, sharing tips and tricks that he had acquired over the years. I watched in awe as he expertly seasoned the scallops and grilled them to perfection, the sweet aroma of charred seafood filling the air.

As he mixed the fennel slaw with a light vinaigrette, he explained the importance of balancing flavors and textures to create a harmonious dish. I took notes diligently, absorbing every word and technique as if it were a precious treasure.

After we had finished cooking, the fisherman plated the dish beautifully and invited me to taste it. The first bite was a revelation - the tender scallops melted in my mouth, while the crispness of the fennel slaw added a refreshing contrast. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate, leaving me speechless.

As I savored the last morsel, the fisherman smiled and said, "Cooking is not just about following a recipe, it's about connecting with the ingredients and infusing them with your love and passion. That's what makes a dish truly special."

His words resonated with me deeply, and I knew that I had found not just a recipe, but a philosophy of cooking that I would carry with me forever. From that day on, whenever I prepare Grilled Scallops with Fennel Slaw, I do so with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the knowledge that was passed down to me.

And so, this recipe has become more than just a dish - it is a reminder of the stories and traditions that have shaped my culinary journey. It is a tribute to the fisherman and his grandmother, whose love for cooking has inspired me to create magic in my own kitchen.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people who have enriched my life through food. And as I prepare to make Grilled Scallops with Fennel Slaw once again, I do so with a heart full of memories and a soul nourished by the joy of cooking.