🥗 Asian Scallop and Snap Pea Salad 🍤
Overview:
Asian Scallop and Snap Pea Salad is a delightful and healthy dish that combines the delicate flavors of seared scallops with the crispness of snap peas, all brought together with a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes that make it a popular choice for those looking for a light and refreshing meal.
History:
The exact origin of this dish is not well-documented, but it likely draws inspiration from various Asian cuisines that value fresh, seasonal ingredients. Snap peas are often used in Chinese and Japanese cooking, and the combination with scallops is a harmonious marriage of land and sea. The dressing typically includes ingredients common in Asian cuisine, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
Components:
- Scallops: Fresh, high-quality scallops are key to this dish. They provide a sweet and tender contrast to the snap peas.
- Snap Peas: These add a satisfying crunch and a slightly sweet flavor.
- Dressing: The dressing typically consists of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic, providing a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and savory flavors.
- Greens: You can add a bed of greens like baby spinach or mixed salad leaves to serve as a base for the salad.
- Optional Ingredients: Feel free to customize your salad with ingredients like toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or sliced scallions for extra flavor and texture.
Preparation Steps:
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Prepare the Scallops:
- Ensure the scallops are dry by patting them with a paper towel.
- Season them with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, sear the scallops for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are just cooked through. Set aside.
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Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp of soy sauce, 2 tbsp of sesame oil, 2 tbsp of rice vinegar, 1 tsp of grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove.
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Blanch the Snap Peas:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water.
- Quickly blanch the snap peas for about 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green, then transfer them to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry.
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Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange a bed of greens on serving plates.
- Top with the blanched snap peas and seared scallops.
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Drizzle and Garnish:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or sliced scallions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Total Time Needed:
The preparation time for this dish is approximately 20-30 minutes, making it a quick and easy choice for a fresh, flavorful meal. The majority of this time is dedicated to searing the scallops and preparing the dressing. Enjoy your Asian Scallop and Snap Pea Salad! 🍽️🍤🥗👌
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for an Asian Scallop and Snap Pea Salad:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for a Typical Serving):
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Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving (may vary based on portion size and dressing usage).
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Protein: Scallops are a good source of protein, providing about 20-25 grams of protein per serving.
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Carbohydrates: This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with approximately 15-20 grams per serving, primarily from the snap peas and dressing.
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Fats: It contains healthy fats from the scallops and sesame oil. Expect about 10-15 grams of fat per serving.
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Dietary Fiber: Snap peas contribute dietary fiber, providing around 5-8 grams of fiber per serving.
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Vitamins and Minerals: The dish is rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C from snap peas, vitamin B12 from scallops, and various minerals. The exact amounts may vary based on the specific quantities and ingredients used.
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: This salad is relatively low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake while enjoying a flavorful meal.
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High in Protein: Scallops are an excellent source of lean protein, important for muscle health and overall satiety.
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Rich in Fiber: Snap peas contribute dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
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Healthy Fats: The fats in this dish, particularly from the scallops and sesame oil, are predominantly unsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
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Micronutrients: You’ll get a dose of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B12, and various minerals, which play a vital role in maintaining good health.
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Low in Unhealthy Additives: Homemade salads typically contain fewer unhealthy additives like excessive salt and sugar, making them a healthier choice compared to some restaurant options.
Keep in mind that the exact nutritional content can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use, as well as the dressing quantity. If you have specific dietary requirements or are looking to track your nutrient intake more precisely, consider using a nutrition calculator or consulting with a registered dietitian.
