We’ve always been fans of the irresistible pairing of succulent scallops and hearty sweet potatoes, a combo that brings a touch of coastal flair to your table. This recipe showcases how these ingredients dance together for a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering.
In our kitchen, we love how this simple yet sophisticated recipe lets fresh flavors shine without fuss. Drawing from classic seafood traditions, it’s an easy way to elevate your cooking game and impress your guests.
Ingredients
In our Scallops Sweet Potato Recipe, we select fresh, high-quality ingredients to highlight the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the delicate, buttery texture of scallops. This combination delivers a dish that’s not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors and golden sear but also bursts with flavors that evoke the sea and earth in perfect harmony. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are typically prepared and used, including any necessary prep notes for optimal results.
- Sweet potatoes (2 medium-sized, about 1 pound total): Choose firm, orange-fleshed varieties for their creamy texture and natural sweetness; peel and cube into 1-inch pieces before cooking to ensure even roasting.
- Fresh scallops (1 pound, sea or diver): Opt for dry-packed scallops to avoid excess water; pat dry with paper towels to achieve a perfect sear that locks in their tender, oceanic flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use extra-virgin for its fruity notes that enhance the roasting process and prevent sticking in the pan.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Freshly minced for a pungent, aromatic base that infuses the dish with depth; avoid pre-chopped for maximum flavor release.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): A yellow variety works best for its mild sweetness; dice finely to caramelize quickly and add layers of savoriness.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, unsalted): Select high-quality for its rich creaminess; use to finish the scallops for a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth effect.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, kosher): Adjust to taste for balancing the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and enhancing the scallops’ brininess.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground): Grind just before use to add a sharp, spicy kick that complements the dish’s overall harmony.
- Fresh herbs (¼ cup, such as thyme or parsley, chopped): We recommend thyme for its earthy notes; chop finely to garnish and brighten the final presentation with a burst of freshness.
- Lemon (1, for juice and zest): Zest and juice right before adding to preserve its zesty, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness of the scallops and sweet potatoes.
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare our scallops sweet potato recipe seamlessly, we need a selection of essential tools that ensure precision and safety in the kitchen. Drawing from the ingredients we’ve outlined—such as fresh scallops and sweet potatoes—these items help us handle chopping, cooking, and plating with ease. Below, we’ll list the key tools in the order they’ll be used, emphasizing their roles for optimal results.
Basic Preparation Tools
- Cutting board and sharp knife: We start with a sturdy cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife to peel, cube, and chop ingredients like sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic. This duo is crucial for achieving uniform pieces that cook evenly.
- Vegetable peeler: For quickly removing the skin from medium-sized sweet potatoes, a reliable peeler saves time and minimizes waste.
Measuring and Mixing Essentials
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key in our recipe, so we rely on a set of measuring cups and spoons to portion out items like olive oil, salt, and herbs precisely.
- Mixing bowls: One or two medium-sized mixing bowls allow us to combine ingredients such as minced garlic, chopped onions, and fresh herbs before cooking.
Cooking and Handling Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan: This is our go-to for searing the dry-packed scallops to perfection, ensuring they develop a golden crust while keeping their delicate texture. Opt for a non-stick or stainless-steel pan for even heat distribution.
- Baking sheet or oven-safe dish: If we’re roasting the sweet potatoes, a rimmed baking sheet provides ample space and prevents spills, promoting caramelization for enhanced flavors.
- Tongs or spatula: We use heat-resistant tongs or a fish spatula to flip and handle the scallops without breaking them, maintaining their elegant presentation.
- Grater or zester: A fine grater is indispensable for zesting the lemon, adding a burst of citrus aroma that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
Additional Kitchen Appliances
For efficiency, we recommend having:
- Oven and stovetop: These core appliances are necessary for baking or roasting the sweet potatoes and quickly searing the scallops.
- Timer: A simple kitchen timer helps us monitor cooking times accurately, ensuring the scallops don’t overcook and the sweet potatoes reach the ideal tenderness.
By gathering these tools beforehand, we set ourselves up for a smooth cooking process that highlights the vibrant flavors of our scallops sweet potato dish.
Instructions
We walk you through the essential steps for our scallops sweet potato recipe ensuring a flavorful and effortless preparation. By following these instructions we’ll achieve a harmonious blend of tender sweet potatoes and perfectly seared scallops.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
First we preheat the oven to 400°F for even roasting. Wash 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes under cold water then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Peel and chop: Using a sharp knife and cutting board peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking.
- Season: In a mixing bowl toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Roast: Spread the seasoned cubes evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they are fork-tender and golden brown flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Cook the Scallops
Once the sweet potatoes are roasting we turn our attention to the scallops for a quick sear that locks in their delicate texture.
- Prepare scallops: Pat dry 1 pound fresh dry-packed scallops with a paper towel and season them lightly with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Heat the pan: In a large skillet heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until the butter melts and begins to foam.
- Sear: Add the seasoned scallops to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms avoid overcrowding the pan for the best results. Remove them from the heat once they reach an internal temperature of 115°F for a juicy finish.
Assemble the Dish
With the sweet potatoes roasted and scallops seared we combine everything for a vibrant presentation.
- Mix components: In a large serving bowl gently toss the roasted sweet potatoes with the seared scallops then add 1 tablespoon minced garlic ½ cup finely chopped onion and 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added aroma.
- Finish with flavor: Drizzle with juice and zest from 1 lemon and stir in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter until melted incorporating all elements for a cohesive dish.
- Serve immediately: Divide the mixture onto plates ensuring each serving highlights the vibrant colors and textures for an elegant meal that showcases our scallops sweet potato recipe.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Scallops Sweet Potato Recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare certain components in advance to minimize last-minute effort while preserving the dish’s fresh flavors and textures. Below, we outline the key steps for making ahead, ensuring your meal remains elegant and delicious.
What You Can Prepare in Advance
To keep things simple, focus on elements that hold up well without compromising quality:
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These form the hearty base and can be made up to 2 days ahead.
- Chopped Vegetables: Garlic and onion can be prepped and stored to save time.
- Herb Mixture: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be chopped and combined with lemon zest for quick assembly.
Step-by-Step Make-Ahead Process
Follow these steps to prepare components safely and efficiently:
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: After peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes as detailed in our earlier steps, season them with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F until fork-tender and golden brown. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This step ensures the natural sweetness intensifies, making flavors even more vibrant when reheated.
- Prep the Vegetables and Herbs: Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion, then store them separately in small, sealed containers in the refrigerator. For the herbs, finely chop thyme or parsley and mix with freshly grated lemon zest in a small bowl; cover and chill. These can be prepped up to 1 day ahead to maintain their crisp, aromatic qualities.
- Store Scallops Separately: While scallops should be seared fresh for the best texture, pat them dry and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Do not season or cook them in advance, as this could affect their delicate, succulent nature.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is key to maintaining safety and quality. Here’s a quick overview in table form for reference:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Airtight container in fridge | Up to 2 days | Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through; avoid overheating to prevent mushiness. |
| Chopped Garlic/Onion | Sealed containers in fridge | Up to 1 day | Use directly from the fridge—no reheating needed. |
| Herb and Lemon Mixture | Covered bowl in fridge | Up to 1 day | Stir well before adding to the dish for maximum fresh flavor. |
By following these make-ahead tips, we ensure our Scallops Sweet Potato Recipe stays effortless yet impressive, allowing you to focus on searing the scallops and assembling the final dish when ready to serve.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this scallops sweet potato recipe as a simple way to elevate everyday meals. It combines fresh ingredients for a dish that’s both nutritious and full of flavor.
Our goal is to inspire you to experiment in your kitchen and make it your own. Try it tonight and see how it adds a touch of sophistication to your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scallops and sweet potatoes recipe about?
This recipe combines succulent scallops with hearty sweet potatoes for an elegant, satisfying dish. It’s simple yet flavorful, drawing from classic seafood traditions, and works for quick weeknights or special occasions. The focus is on fresh ingredients that enhance natural sweetness and textures, making it easy to impress guests while building cooking skills.
What ingredients are needed for this dish?
You’ll need medium-sized sweet potatoes, fresh dry-packed scallops, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, unsalted butter, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, and lemon for juice and zest. These high-quality items highlight the dish’s vibrant flavors and colors for a delightful meal.
How do I prepare the scallops and sweet potatoes?
Preheat the oven, peel and chop sweet potatoes, season, and roast until tender. Sear scallops in a skillet for a golden crust. Mix roasted potatoes with seared scallops, garlic, onion, herbs, and finish with lemon juice and zest. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. The whole process takes about 30-40 minutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare roasted sweet potatoes up to two days in advance and store them in the fridge. Prep garlic, onion, and herbs ahead for quick assembly. When ready, sear scallops fresh and combine everything. Reheat potatoes gently to maintain texture, making this recipe convenient for busy schedules without losing its appeal.
What tools do I need to make this recipe?
Essential tools include a cutting board, sharp knife for chopping, measuring cups for accuracy, and a large skillet for searing. A baking sheet is useful for roasting potatoes. Gather these beforehand to ensure a safe, efficient cooking process and achieve professional results with minimal effort.
Are there variations to this recipe?
You can swap herbs like thyme for rosemary or add spices such as paprika for extra flavor. For a vegetarian twist, replace scallops with tofu or mushrooms. Adjust seasoning based on preference, but keep the core pairing of sweet potatoes and scallops to maintain the dish’s balance and appeal.
What are the nutritional benefits of this dish?
This recipe offers lean protein from scallops, rich in omega-3s for heart health, paired with sweet potatoes full of fiber, vitamins A and C for immune support. It’s low in calories but satisfying, with fresh herbs and olive oil adding antioxidants. Enjoy it as a balanced meal that supports overall wellness.