Grilled Miso-Citrus Scallop Lollipops: A Unique and Flavorful Appetizer
These Grilled Miso-Citrus Scallop Lollipops are an exciting and visually striking appetizer with a delightful balance of flavors that carry an Asian-inspired flair. The combination of portabella mushrooms, scallops, and a miso-citrus marinade offers a tender, subtly sweet taste, while the grilled scallops bring a touch of smokiness to each bite. Threading the mushrooms around the scallops to create lollipops can be a little fiddly, but it’s a fun and rewarding part of the process that elevates the dish. With a marinade that’s perfectly citrusy yet doesn’t overpower the natural taste of the scallops, this recipe offers a sophisticated appetizer for any occasion.
Inspired by Ming Tsai’s ‘Simply Ming’ series, this dish can be prepared in just a few hours, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special events.
Recipe Overview
| Total Time | 4 hours 16 minutes |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 4 hours |
| Cook Time | 16 minutes |
| Servings | Varies |
| Calories | 958.8 per serving |
Ingredients
This recipe combines fresh ingredients with bold flavors to create a memorable appetizer. The quantities listed are for a recipe that makes around 4 servings, though you can adjust according to your needs.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Portabella mushrooms | 2 caps |
| Sea scallops | 1 lb (about 15-20 pieces) |
| Canola oil | 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp |
| Kosher salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Sake | 1 tbsp |
| Ponzu sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1/2 tsp |
| Light miso | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 3 tsp |
| Canola oil (for cooking) | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 958.8 |
| Fat | 76.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 37.5 mg |
| Sodium | 188.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 36.4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 25.8 g |
| Protein | 20.8 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Start by scraping out the gills from the portabella mushroom caps using a spoon. Once removed, set the caps aside. This step helps ensure that the mushrooms don’t release excess moisture while cooking, which can affect the texture of the final dish.
Step 2: Marinate the Scallops
In a medium-sized bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine sea scallops with 2 cups of the Miso-Citrus Marinade. This marinade is a blend of light miso, fresh ginger, sake, ponzu sauce, sugar, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Mix the scallops well with the marinade, ensuring each one is fully coated. Allow the scallops to marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse without overpowering the delicate nature of the scallops.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
While the scallops are marinating, it’s time to prepare your grilling equipment. Preheat the grill to high heat. If using a grill pan or sauté pan, heat it over high heat as well. For either method, spray the grill grid or pan with a light coat of nonstick cooking spray to ensure the scallops do not stick while cooking.
Step 4: Grill or Sauté the Mushrooms
Rub the portobello mushrooms with 2 tablespoons of canola oil and season them with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. If you’re using a grill, place the mushrooms directly on the hot grill. Alternatively, in a sauté pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of canola oil and swirl to coat the pan. Grill or sauté the mushrooms, turning occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. After cooking, transfer the mushrooms to a medium bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap to steam and finish cooking for about 15 minutes. Once steamed, slice the mushrooms into ¼ inch slices.
Step 5: Thread the Scallops and Mushrooms onto Skewers
Remove the marinated scallops from the refrigerator and blot them with a paper towel to remove excess marinade. Take each scallop and wrap 1 or 2 slices of the grilled portabella mushrooms around the scallop. Secure the mushroom around the scallop with a skewer, creating a “lollipop” effect. If you’re wrapping the mushroom slices horizontally around the scallops, make sure that the mushroom is secured at both ends. Place 2 scallops per skewer to form your lollipops.
Step 6: Grill or Sauté the Lollipops
If using a grill, place the skewered scallop lollipops on the preheated grill. Grill for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the scallops are just cooked through. If using a grill pan or sauté pan, heat the pan over high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Season the scallops with a light sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper, then sauté in batches for about 3 minutes per side until the scallops are cooked through and have a nice golden crust.
Step 7: Serve
For serving, you can either present the scallop lollipops on an elegant oval platter for appetizers or divide them among individual plates as a starter. If serving as an appetizer, arrange the lollipops in the center of the platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the lollipops for a zesty finishing touch, and garnish with additional herbs or greens if desired. If serving as a starter, divide a bed of mixed greens among four plates and place the lollipops on top.
Enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite — the tender, juicy scallops complemented by the savory-sweetness of the mushrooms and the refreshing citrus zing from the marinade.
Pro Tips:
- Marinating Tip: For the best results, marinate the scallops for at least 2 hours, but no more than 3, to preserve their delicate flavor.
- Skewering Tip: If you find it difficult to thread the mushrooms around the scallops, you can also use 2 smaller mushroom slices per scallop, ensuring they are snug and secure before skewering.
- Cooking Tip: Don’t overcook the scallops! They cook quickly — about 2-3 minutes per side — so keep a close eye on them to maintain their tender texture.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the scallops with thick slices of king oyster mushrooms or large button mushrooms for a similar texture.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of chili flakes or a bit of sriracha sauce to the marinade for a bit of heat.
Conclusion
These Grilled Miso-Citrus Scallop Lollipops are an ideal dish for impressing guests at your next dinner party or a sophisticated appetizer at a casual gathering. The harmonious combination of miso, citrus, and scallops, paired with the savory grilled mushrooms, creates a complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Whether served as a finger food appetizer or part of a more formal entrée, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression.
