Seafood
Seared Scallops with Pancetta and Brussels Sprouts

A super simple brussels sprout and shallot has served with seared scallops. It comes together with a single skillet in about 20 minutes. [Photographs: Yasmin Fahr]

Note: You can use bacon in lieu of the pancetta if you prefer or have difficulty finding pancetta.

About the Author: Yasmin Fahr is a food lover, writer, and cook. Follow her @yasminfahr for more updates on her eating adventures and discoveries, which will most likely include tomatoes. And probably feta. Happy eating!

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About This Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • ¼ pound pancetta, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 pound brussels sprouts, roughly chopped or shredded with a mandoline (about 6 cups)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 12 large scallops

Procedures

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pancetta and cook, stirring, until most of the fat is rendered and it begins to crisp, about 2 minutes. Add shallots and brussels sprouts, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until browned, about six minutes. Stir in vinegar, scraping up any brown bits, then transfer to a plate and set aside. Wipe out skillet with a paper towel.

  2. Pat the scallops dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Return skillet to medium-high heat and add butter. Heat until foaming subsisdes, then add the scallops and allow to cook without moving until golden brown on first side, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip, return the brussels sprouts mixture to warm through and continue cooking until scallops are barely cooked through, about 2 minutes longer. Serve immediately.