Margarita Scallops Recipe

Elevate your taste buds with these Sizzling Margarita Scallops! A vibrant blend of citrus, jalapeño, and perfectly seared scallops creates a burst of flavor in just 30 minutes. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Calories 241.7 kcal

Protein 29g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Margarita Scallops

1/4 cup tequila
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 large jalapeno, sliced (some reserved for garnish)
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fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
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1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds large fresh sea scallops, side muscle removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
lime wedges, for garnish
fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
1 tablespoon orange liqueur
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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How to Make Margarita Scallops

Combine lime juice, orange liqueur, tequila, honey, salt, pepper, and one jalapeño in a blender. Puree until smooth.
Taste the mixture and add more jalapeño to adjust spiciness, if desired.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and set aside.
Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
Add the scallops to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, without moving them, until golden brown and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Carefully pour the citrus mixture over the seared scallops. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to medium. Gently toss the scallops in the sauce for about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside, keeping them warm.
Increase the heat to high and boil the sauce until it reduces by about half, approximately 2-3 minutes. This will concentrate the flavors.
Divide the scallops among four plates.
Spoon the reduced sauce generously over the scallops.
Garnish with reserved jalapeño slices, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

30 g

Sugar

111g

Fat

Carbs

13g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Starters Appetizers & Snacks Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Seafood The Americas American Mexican Gluten Free Summer Recipes 30 Minutes Or Less

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Appetizers Main Dish Seafood Scallops Shellfish

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Margarita Scallops?

Margarita Scallops takes about 45 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Margarita Scallops?

Margarita Scallops has approximately 241.7 calories per serving, with about 29 g protein, 13 g carbohydrates and 6 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Margarita Scallops?

The key ingredients for Margarita Scallops are Tequila, Lime Juice, Fresh Lemon Juice, Sugar, Jalapenos, Green Onion. See the full list with measurements above.