Sea Scallops with Mango and Jalapenos
Seared sea scallops marinated with Dijon and tarragon top crisp-fried potato sticks atop a bed of fresh spinach. The chef uses bright-colored mango slices to garnish.
Ingredients
- Scallops
- Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon
- Kosher salt - 1⁄2 teaspoon
- Pepper - 1⁄4 teaspoon
- Tarragon - 2 tablespoons, fresh
- Sea Scallops - 11⁄2 pounds, cut in half horizontally
- Butter - 1⁄4 cup (1⁄2 stick)
- Sauce
- Butter - 1⁄4 cup (1⁄2 stick)
- Shallots - 3⁄4 cup, chopped
- Jalapeno Peppers - 1, diced
- Dry Sherry - 1⁄4 cup
- Frozen orange juice concentrate - 1-1⁄2 tablespoons
- Heavy Cream - 1⁄2 cup
- Tarragon - 1 teaspoon, fresh
- Kosher salt - 1⁄2 teaspoon
- Pepper - 1⁄4 teaspoon
- Potatoes
- Vegetable Oil - 4 cups, for frying
- Potato - 2, julienned
- Garnish
- Spinach - 6 oz, fresh
- Mango - 1, peeled and thinly sliced
- Tarragon - Fresh sprigs
Instructions
To prepare the scallops: In a medium bowl combine the mustard, kosher salt, pepper, and fresh tarragon. Add the cleaned and cut scallops and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight. Place a large, dry, nonstick sauté pan or skillet over high heat for 3 minutes. Add the butter and heat until melted. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and place in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the scallops in 2 batches. Sear the scallops on one side for about 2 minutes, then turn them with tongs and cook for 2 minutes on the other side. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.
To make the sauce: In the skillet used to cook the scallops melt the butter. Add the shallots and jalapeño. Sauté the shallots and jalapeño over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes until softened. Increase the heat to high and add the sherry, stirring with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan. Add the orange juice, cream, tarragon, salt, and pepper, and cook until combined.
To make the potatoes: In a separate skillet heat the oil to 375 F or until a bread cube turns brown in 10 seconds. Add the potatoes and fry until brown and crisp. Remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
To assemble: Wash and dry the spinach leaves and divide evenly in the middle of the plates. Top with the thin strips of fried potatoes. Ladle the sauce around the sides of the plates, and place the seared scallops on top. Decorate each plate with slices of fresh mango and a sprig of fresh tarragon.
