Seared Scallops & Grapefruit Fennel Salad by Erin French of the Lost Kitchen

We've been lucky enough to collaborate with Erin French of the renowned Lost Kitchen in Freedom, ME. Try this recipe with Red's Best Dayboat Scallops. 

“Whereas raw scallops are sexy, soft, and delicate, their seared counterparts are meaty, juicy, and rich. Cooked for mere seconds in a cast-iron pan and basted with butter (which melds with the scallops’ natural brine to make the easiest-ever pan sauce), seared scallops are the best party trick because you don’t have to stand at the stove for long to put out a dish that’s refined, bright, and totally delicious. Serve as-is for a casual dinner or make smaller portions for an elegant starter or first course for eight to ten people.” —Erin French in her 2018 Beard Award–nominated The Lost Kitchen: Recipes and a Good Life Found in Freedom, Maine. 

INGREDIENTS

Macerated Shallot Vinaigrette:

• 2 grapefruits, segmented, juice reserved 
• 1 fennel bulb, shaved 
• Handful of purple mustard greens or arugula 
• Olive oil 
• Salt 
• 1 1/2 pounds day-boat sea scallops 
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

Make the salad by tossing the fennel and grapefruit segments with the macerated shallot vinaigrette in a medium bowl. Mound the mixture in the middle of a platter. Use the same bowl to dress the greens with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Use your hands--the greens should feel lightly coated. Scatter the green on the platter around the fennel.

Lay the scallops on a paper towel to gently blot any excess moisture. Lightly salt the tops. Heat 2 large skillets, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat and pour 2 tablespoons olive oil in to each. Arrange the scallops in the pans, salted-side down, so they’re not touching. Sear the scallops until golden brown, about a minute and a half. Sprinkle the scallops with salt, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add 2 tablespoons butter to each skillet and cook for another minute, until the scallops are barely cooked through. Remove the pans from the heat and arrange the scallops on top of the salad. Drizzle with some of the pan juices and a bit of the reserved grapefruit juice.