Pan Seared Diver Scallops
Cauliflower purée, golden raisins, brown butter, Marcona almonds.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Water Grill South Coast Plaza
This dish represents a modern approach to seafood preparation, drawing on classic French techniques like brown butter sauce and purées, while incorporating Mediterranean elements such as Marcona almonds and the global availability of ingredients like diver scallops. Its historical influences are a blend of classical European gastronomy and contemporary culinary trends emphasizing local and seasonal produce and global flavor combinations.
This dish exemplifies modern dining culture where there's an emphasis on high-quality ingredients, culinary artistry, and fusion of diverse flavors and techniques.
Fine Dining Experience
This type of dish is typically found in fine dining restaurants or upscale bistros, where presentation and ingredient quality are paramount. It is designed to be a memorable culinary experience.
Ingredient Sourcing
The use of 'diver scallops' suggests a focus on sustainable and high-quality sourcing. Diver scallops are hand-harvested, which minimizes damage to the ocean floor compared to dredging methods.
Emphasis on Texture and Flavor Balance
The combination of creamy purée, seared scallops, plump raisins, crunchy almonds, and rich butter shows a deliberate effort to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
The dish offers a complex interplay of sweet, savory, nutty, and briny flavors, balanced by the richness of the brown butter and the smoothness of the cauliflower purée.
The diver scallops provide a sweet, oceanic flavor that is enhanced by the Maillard reaction during searing, creating a caramelized crust. The cauliflower purée offers a creamy, slightly sweet and earthy counterpoint. Golden raisins contribute a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture, while the brown butter adds a nutty, rich, and decadent element. Finally, the Marcona almonds introduce a crunchy, slightly sweet, and distinctly almond flavor, adding textural contrast.
Scallop Searing
Ensure the scallops are patted completely dry before searing to achieve a deep golden-brown crust. Use high heat and a good quality pan (cast iron or stainless steel work well). Don't overcrowd the pan, and only flip once a crust has formed.
Cauliflower Purée Consistency
Cook the cauliflower until very tender before puréeing to achieve a smooth, velvety texture. Add a touch of cream or butter for extra richness and season generously with salt and white pepper.
Brown Butter Perfection
Watch the butter carefully as it browns to avoid burning. The butter should have a nutty aroma and a deep amber color. A squeeze of lemon juice can help balance the richness.
Golden Raisin Preparation
Plump the golden raisins in warm water or sherry before adding them to the dish to enhance their sweetness and texture.
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