Crispy Scallops with Tomato Relish

Name: Crispy Scallops with Tomato Relish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound scallops, cleaned; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Cozy Kitchen Recipes

I absolutely adore making Crispy Scallops with Tomato Relish, and it's become one of my favorites for both casual dinners and special occasions. The combination of perfectly seared scallops paired with a zesty and fresh tomato relish elevates this dish to a whole new level. I love how the crispiness of the scallops contrasts with the vibrant flavors of the tomatoes, creating a delightful experience for the palate. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, allowing me to enjoy delicious seafood without spending hours in the kitchen!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T22:17:27.764Z

Making Crispy Scallops with Tomato Relish is one of my go-to dishes when I'm feeling fancy but don't have much time to spare. The scallops are seared to perfection, achieving that beautiful golden crust while remaining tender inside. I learned that the key is to ensure your pan is hot enough, which creates that irresistible crispiness. The relish, made with ripe tomatoes, herbs, and a splash of vinegar, brings a refreshing brightness that balances the richness of the scallops beautifully.

Last summer, I made this dish for friends during a backyard barbecue, and it was a hit! Everyone was impressed by how simple yet flavorful it was. My secret tip? Let the scallops rest for a minute after cooking to maintain their juiciness. Paired with a glass of chilled white wine, it's a meal that makes any evening feel like a celebration!

Reasons You'll Love This Dish
Crispy, golden exterior with a tender, juicy center
Zesty tomato relish adds a fresh pop of flavor
Quick to prepare, perfect for spontaneous gatherings

The Role of Scallops

Scallops are the star of this dish, offering a delicate sweetness and slight brininess that pairs beautifully with the tangy tomato relish. When selecting scallops, look for ones that are firm and opaque, avoiding any with a fishy scent. Their cook time is short—typically just 2-3 minutes per side—so it's essential to keep an eye on them to achieve that perfect golden crust without overcooking.

A common challenge is ensuring your scallops develop that desired crispy texture without sticking to the pan. To prevent this, make sure your skillet is hot enough; oil should shimmer before adding the scallops. Patting the scallops dry before seasoning them is another crucial step, as excess moisture can inhibit browning, leading to a less appealing texture.

Tomato Relish Insights

The tomato relish not only adds flavor but also offers a burst of moisture that complements the scallops. Cherry tomatoes are ideal for this dish due to their natural sweetness and juiciness. When halving them, look for ones that are vibrant in color without blemishes. The inclusion of balsamic vinegar elevates the relish with acidity, balancing the richness of the scallops.

If you want to customize the relish, try incorporating different herbs like parsley or cilantro. You could even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat or diced avocado for creaminess. This relish can be made ahead of time; simply store it in the refrigerator for up to two days, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld for a more robust taste.

Service Suggestions

Serving crispy scallops with tomato relish is all about the presentation. For a more elegant touch, garnish with additional fresh basil or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving. If you’re entertaining, you might want to serve the dish on a wooden board alongside crusty bread for dipping into the relish—a delightful and interactive experience for your guests.

Leftovers can be a treat the next day. To reheat, I suggest using a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. This gentle method keeps the scallops from becoming rubbery while encouraging them to regain some crispness. The relish will also hold up in the fridge, adding zing to salads or served alongside grilled vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Scallops

1 pound scallops, cleaned
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

For the Tomato Relish

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Tomato Relish

In a bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.

Sear the Scallops

Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the scallops in the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Serve

Once the scallops are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Spoon the tomato relish over the scallops and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Make sure the scallops are dry before cooking to achieve a good sear. If they are too wet, they will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your scallops are overcooked, they can become tough and rubbery. This often happens if the heat is too high or if they are left in the pan for too long. Cooking them in batches might be necessary to maintain proper heat management. Aim for a temperature just below smoking, and you’ll achieve nicely seared edges with juicy centers.

For those who are unable to find fresh scallops, frozen scallops can be a suitable substitute. Ensure you thaw them completely and thoroughly pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. When properly thawed and dried, they can still yield excellent texture and flavor, retaining the intended cooking outcomes.

Variations and Enhancements

Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood such as shrimp or even small fillets of white fish, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. For shrimp, about 2 minutes per side should suffice, while thinner fish fillets might only need 1-2 minutes total per side depending on their thickness.

Adding a splash of citrus juice, like lemon or lime, to the tomato relish brings brightness to the dish. This simple enhancement can significantly amplify the freshness of the tomatoes and create a lovely contrast with the rich scallops, making the dish even more delightful.

Make-Ahead Tips

In addition to the tomato relish, you can also prep your scallops a few hours ahead. Season and refrigerate them covered with plastic wrap to infuse some of the flavor while also keeping them cold, which is essential for great searing. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.

For a full meal experience, consider preparing a side of sautéed greens or a refreshing salad. Both can be made ahead and pair beautifully with the scallops, allowing you to focus on perfecting the main dish when ready to serve.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure the best texture.

→ What can I serve with crispy scallops?

These scallops pair beautifully with a side salad, pasta, or even a light risotto.

→ How do I know when scallops are done cooking?

Scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch when fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on their size.

→ Can I make the tomato relish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tomato relish a few hours in advance. Just give it a stir before serving to refresh the flavors.