Scallops al Ajillo
- Makes4 servings
- Cook Time25 minutes
- 1
Gambas al ajillo, or shrimp with garlic, is a popular Spanish tapa. For a new take on the classic, we swapped sweet, buttery sea scallops for the shrimp and created a portion generous enough to be served as a light main course. Look for U15 sea scallops—the sizing indicates there are fewer than 15 scallops per pound. Slightly larger or smaller ones will work, too. Just as importantly, seek out “dry” sea scallops, ones that have not been treated with sodium tripolyphosphate. If purchasing frozen, check the ingredients label; at the seafood counter, make sure the scallops are not sitting in a pool of liquid, or ask. Another tell is color: dry scallops have a pale coral hue, whereas treated scallops are stark white. Serve with a simple salad of bitter greens to round out the meal.
Don’t forget to pat the scallops dry before salting them, as well as just before placing them in the skillet. Wicking away excess moisture ensures nice, quick caramelization in the pan. (Keeping the scallops on a paper towel–lined plate while they wait to be cooked helps, too.) Don’t attempt to move the scallops immediately after placing them in the skillet. They will stick at first but then release after they’ve formed a bottom crust.
Step 1
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels, then place them on a paper towel–lined plate. Season them all over with salt; set aside. In a 10-inch skillet, combine the oil and garlic.
Set the pan over medium-high and cook, stirring often, until starting to brown at the edges, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and, using a slotted spoon, transfer the garlic to a small bowl; set the garlic aside.
Step 2
Return the skillet to medium-high and heat the oil until shimmering. Quickly pat the scallops dry once again and place in the pan, spacing them evenly apart.
Cook without disturbing until lightly browned on the bottoms and release easily from the pan, 2 to 4 minutes. Flip, then add the paprika, pepper flakes and reserved garlic, swirling the pan to incorporate.
Step 3
Quickly spoon some of the hot oil over each scallop to baste, then remove the pan from the heat. Cover and let stand until the scallops are opaque throughout, about 5 minutes.
Uncover and bring to a simmer over medium, then stir in the vinegar and parsley. Remove from the heat, then taste and season with salt. Transfer to a serving plate with bread for soaking up the flavorful oil.