Prep Time 15 minutes Total Time 1 hour
There’s just something about the caramelized crust and meaty interior of scallops that makes them the perfect protein. They also have a naturally delicate flavor, so it’s important to let them shine with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. However, that means whatever scallops are served with has to take the lead with big, bold taste. Cue basil-pineapple risotto! Once you make risotto with pineapple juice, you’ll be hard pressed to go without it ever again. If you’re looking to wow guests with a meal they’d be likely to find in a five-star restaurant, then this is your dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1½ cups vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup minced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1¼ cups uncooked Arborio rice
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh basil
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more as needed
- ½ cup microgreens, for serving
Instructions
Step 1
Combine the pineapple juice and broth in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with a lid and remove from the heat.
Step 2
Heat the butter in a large saucepan set over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Step 3
Add a ladle of the hot juice mixture to the saucepan and cook, stirring, until the liquid is fully absorbed. Continue adding the hot liquid to the saucepan, one ladle at a time and stirring intermittently, until the rice is no longer crunchy, about 30 minutes.
Step 4
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, then turn off the heat and stir in the basil. Set aside, covered, while you cook the scallops.
Step 5
Pat the scallops dry, then season with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a medium skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add half the scallops and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip the scallops once, then tilt the skillet and baste them with the oil. Continue cooking the scallops an additional 1 minute, until no longer translucent. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining scallops, adding more oil as needed.
Step 6
Divide the risotto among serving plates and top with the scallops.
Step 7
Garnish with microgreens and serve.