Seafood main dishes

Vanilla scallops

⏱ 30 min🍳 15 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

Have you ever considered vanilla as a flavouring, not only for desserts, but also for savoury dishes? Its taste is aromatic and refined; in fact, when used in moderation, it can give an elegant and decidedly original twist to pasta dishes or risotto, and even to main courses or fish starters. In this case, our chef had the idea of using vanilla to lightly flavour some scallops. The delicate flavour of the scallops goes perfectly with the delicacy of the vanilla. Learn how to make this recipe with us and make it a staple of your repertoire during holidays or for an elegant dinner party. To make them you need a little Armagnac, but if you don’t have any at home you could also use cognac or brandy, liquors that go well with fish recipes and which and you will also find useful for making delicious seafood linguine.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving

Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
18g
Fiber
0g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Preparation time
15 minutes Cooking time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Open and clean the scallops. Put the scallops in their upper shell (the deeper and wider one). Place the scallops and their shells in a large frying pan. Put a pinch of salt, a few vanilla seeds, a knob of butter, a sprinkling of pepper and a splash of Armagnac on each scallop. Now wait for the shells to get hot whereupon they act like tiny saucepans in which you cook the scallops. After about 15 minutes they will be ready and the sauce of each scallop will be reduced to just the right consistency. Serve one per person as an unconventional starter!

Tips
The recipe calls for the addition of seeds from a vanilla pod; if don’t have one to hand, don’t substitute with those classic vials used for cake-making; use instead a little oil flavoured with vanilla which you can make yourself at home and keep for other occasions. Another piece of advice: always keep a bottle of brandy or cognac at home which will be very handy for making fish or seafood recipes!
Trivia
In order to allow the scallops to reproduce, in Italy the law prohibits fishing and the sale of scallops when they are smaller than 10 cm in diameter. So, if you find very small scallops in your fishmongers, you should be suspicious!

Step by step

Scallops
Scallops
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Scallops with Vanilla, Butter and Pepper

One of the tastiest variations of scallops with vanilla is the one that includes an addition of butter and pepper. This preparation enhances the delicate flavor of the scallops, creating a perfect contrast between the sweetness of the vanilla and the richness of the butter. To make it, after cleaning and opening the scallops, place them in their shells and add a pinch of salt, a bit of vanilla pod, and a small knob of butter. Finally, a light sprinkle of pepper will add a touch of spiciness that will complete the dish. This combination not only makes the scallops more flavorful but also enriches the dish with a creamy texture, ideal for a special dinner or a romantic occasion.

Venetian Style Scallops with Vanilla

The Venetian tradition offers a unique preparation of scallops with vanilla, highlighting the fresh ingredients of the region. In this variation, the scallops are cooked directly in their shells on a hot plate, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly. The sweetness of the vanilla, paired with the intensity of the armagnac, creates a perfect balance. Furthermore, the Venetian cooking method helps to retain the juiciness of the scallops. Served with a side of seasonal vegetables, these scallops represent an elegant and refined dish, perfect for those who wish to enjoy seafood in an original and sophisticated way, while keeping the local culinary tradition alive.

Light Scallops with Vanilla without Butter

For those looking for a lighter alternative, scallops with vanilla can be prepared without butter, while still maintaining a delicious flavor. In this light version, butter can be replaced with a drizzle of olive oil, which not only reduces calories but also adds a fruity note to the dish. The scallops, cooked in their shells, can be flavored with vanilla and a pinch of salt and pepper, without the addition of saturated fats. This preparation is ideal for those following a balanced diet or for those who want to enjoy a fish dish without feeling heavy. The light scallops are thus more digestible and fresh, preserving their delicate flavor and soft texture.

Scallops with Vanilla: Benefits and Nutritional Values

Scallops are a food rich in nutrients and health benefits. These mollusks contain high-quality proteins, B vitamins, and minerals such as selenium, which plays an important role in the immune system. Thanks to their low calorie content, about 80 calories per 100 grams, scallops are an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, the addition of vanilla not only enriches the dish with flavor but may also have positive effects on psychological well-being, thanks to its aromatic properties. Consuming scallops with vanilla can thus contribute to a balanced diet while ensuring a refined and tasty culinary experience.

Can scallops with vanilla be frozen?

A common question concerns the possibility of freezing scallops with vanilla. In general, it is possible to freeze raw scallops, but it is advisable to avoid freezing a cooked preparation, such as scallops with vanilla. Freezing can alter the texture and flavor of the dish, making the scallops less pleasant to the palate. If you wish to preserve the scallops, it is better to do so before cooking, ensuring they are stored in an airtight container. This way, they will remain fresh and ready to be cooked later, guaranteeing always an optimal and tasty result. Remember to thaw the scallops in the refrigerator to preserve their quality.