Recipes (main dishes)
Seared scallops with pea purée, bacon crumble, lemon oil, and microgreens for elegant service.
This refined dish elevates simple shellfish into a celebration of bright greens, smoky accents, and delicate citrus. A silky pea purée provides a vivid bed for the tender scallops, while crisp bacon crumble adds texture and depth. A whisper of lemon oil brightens the plate, and microgreens introduce color, aroma, and a fresh bite. Presented with poise, the dish balances richness, brightness, and finesse, inviting guests to savor each element separately and then together. It’s ideal for entertaining, holiday menus, or any event that calls for culinary restraint and confident technique.
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Published by Brian Adams
July 18, 2025 - 3 min Read
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Begin by patting the scallops dry to ensure a perfect sear, then season lightly with salt and white pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high, and melt a small knob of butter with a splash of olive oil to prevent burning. When the oil glistens, add the scallops in a single layer without crowding, letting them form a golden crust before a gentle flip. The goal is a crisp exterior and a juicy, translucent center. While they rest briefly, prepare a pea purée by simmering peas until tender, then blending with a touch of cream, salt, and a hint of lemon juice. This purée should be vibrant, smooth, and slightly sweet.
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For the bacon crumble, dice smoked bacon and render slowly in a hot skillet until the fat melts and the cubes turn amber and crisp. Spoon off excess fat, then allow the bits to dry on paper towels, creating a toasty, irresistible garnish. Assemble the lemon oil by whisking together fresh lemon juice, a light olive oil, and a pinch of salt; the emulsion should be bright and fragrant, with just enough acidity to wake the palate. To plate, spoon a slender line of pea purée across the plate, lay the scallops atop, and sprinkle the bacon crumble like delicate confetti. Finish with a drizzle of lemon oil and a handful of microgreens for fragrance and color.
9–11 words Texture, color, and aroma fuse into a cohesive course.
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In a refined kitchen, timing is everything. The pea purée can carry the dish forward with its lush sweetness; however, over-blending or overheating will dull its color and flavor. Keep the blender blades moving in a smooth, steady fashion, scraping the sides as needed to create a satiny finish. If the texture feels thick, loosen with a teaspoon of hot water or stock until it glides onto the plate. For the scallops, a quick rest after searing is essential to redistribute juices. This moment of rest prevents a runny center and ensures a clean bite. The bacon crumble should stay crisp, offering audible contrast with each forkful.
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When choosing scallops, seek those that are uniformly sized and dry-packed—these yield uniform browning. Avoid scallops that exude moisture, which can steam rather than sear, resulting in a pale exterior. Dry patting is as important as a hot pan, because surface moisture will create steam and hinder crust formation. To maintain even heat, don’t crowd the pan; two or three scallops at a time deliver better sear marks and control. The lemon oil, though bright, should never overpower the delicate scallop flavor. A pinch of salt at the end helps to highlight the natural sweetness. Microgreens, such as pea shoots or baby kale, provide a delicate, peppery finish that brightens the plate.
9–11 words Quiet precision turns simple ingredients into refined, memorable harmony.
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A thoughtful menu considers the aroma that accompanies each bite, and lemon oil plays a pivotal role here. Add it just before serving to preserve its citrus perfume, then let the microgreens release their fragrance upon contact with warm plate surfaces. If serving at a table, keep the course compact and orderly, guiding guests’ eyes from the vibrant purée to the gleaming scallops and finally to the crisp bacon crumble. A light pinch of finishing salt on the purée can sharpen its sweetness, while a tiny drizzle of oil over the greens elevates their glossy sheen. The dish rewards patience and balance, not rushing through its components. Clarity of flavor should dominate.
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For a cohesive flavor profile, source ingredients from nearby producers whenever possible. Fresh, local peas deliver a peak sweetness that doesn’t require heavy cream to compensate; a small amount suffices to reach a taut silkiness. Smoky bacon is preferable to a bland substitute, as its scent itself lends depth without overwhelming the pea note. Lemon oil is best made from vibrant zest, avoiding seeds and pith that introduce bitterness. Microgreens should be harvested with the intention of quick service; their delicate stems provide texture and color without overwhelming the dish’s central scallop. If needed, adjust seasoning with a touch more salt or lemon to align with personal preference.
9–11 words Culinary grace emerges from harmony among technique, timing, and restraint.
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The dish’s beauty lies in its contrasts: the resilience of a seared crust against the tenderness inside, and the crisp bacon against the silk of the purée. Plate geometry matters; a straight line of purée under the scallops can visually anchor the dish, while a scatter of microgreens introduces vertical interest. Consider a brief pre-plate ritual: wipe rims, align components, and verify that the lemon oil hasn’t separated. A small, warm plate can help maintain the temperature of the seared scallops, ensuring the exterior remains crisp as the diner approaches. The overall effect should speak of restraint, technique, and a respect for the ingredients’ natural qualities.
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Pairing this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Vermentino or a bright Sauvignon Blanc, can lift the brightness of the lemon and purée without clashing with the smoky bacon. Alternatively, a light sparkling wine creates a festive atmosphere and cleanses the palate between bites. If serving as part of a tasting menu, consider spacing the courses to allow guests to savor each element separately before reconciling them on the palate. The balance of fat from the scallop and bacon against the freshness of the purée should remain central, with the lemon oil providing the final spark. Think of this as one elegant unit rather than several components.
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9–11 words Final plating emphasizes balance, restraint, and thoughtful accents.
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Attention to plating details elevates even the simplest ingredients. Use a clean, white plate to ensure color accuracy, and consider a small, warm ceramic plate to keep items from cooling too quickly. The purée should be spread with a steady, deliberate stroke to create a smooth surface that catches light. Place the scallops with consistent spacing, aligning their edges for a disciplined look. The bacon crumble can be strewn across the top in irregular flecks, adding texture rather than mass. Finally, a delicate drizzle of lemon oil around the plate perimeter can frame the dish, guiding the eye toward the central composition and enhancing aroma.
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To accommodate dietary preferences, you can adapt the purée base by using an almond milk infusion in place of dairy, producing a slightly different but still luscious texture. For guests avoiding pork, substitute crispy shiitake or mushroom chips to mimic the crunch and smoky facet. Ensure the mushroom option is well seasoned to compensate for the missing fat. If you wish to intensify citrus, introduce a subtle zest dust over the purée. The key is not to overload any single element; rather, let each component retain its personality while contributing to a harmonious final bite, which lingers with freshness and composed flavors.
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Consider the experience from start to finish: the moment a guest enters the dining room and sees the plate, the aroma that greets them, and the first mouthfuls that determine how the course will be remembered. The sear should offer a small crackle as the knife meets the crust; the purée must cradle the scallop with a silky mouthfeel; and the bacon crumble should deliver a satisfying bite. The design encourages quiet conversation about technique and provenance, rather than loud embellishments. This is a dish that rewards guests who appreciate micro-details—where timing, temperature, texture, and taste align to create a memorable, elegant moment.
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As a final note, practice is the secret behind consistency. Work on achieving uniform sear surfaces across all scallops and calibrate your heat to avoid overcooking. Practice also helps you judge when the pea purée has reached its ideal consistency, ensuring it will cling to the plate without sliding off. The lemon oil should always feel bright, not heavy, and microgreens chosen for their delicate bite contribute a finishing flourish rather than a dominant note. With patience and attention to the small decisions, this dish becomes more than a sequence of elements; it transforms into a refined service that guests remember for its sophistication and balance.
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