Scallops With Bread-Crumb Salsa Verde

Published May 9, 2025

Scallops With Bread-Crumb Salsa Verde
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
30 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Rating
5(117)
Comments
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Rich, buttery scallops contrast beautifully with the crunchy, vibrant bread crumb and herb salsa in this recipe for two, inspired by a version that is frequently served at San Francisco’s Zuni Café. Though this dish feels special enough for a date night in, it’s also simple enough for a weeknight. Serve with sautéed green beans, steamed broccoli or perhaps a kale salad. The herby, briny salsa is worth keeping in mind for future meals: It pairs well with a variety of proteins.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 servings
  • 2tablespoons finely chopped shallot (about 1 large shallot)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
  • 6tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • cup coarse bread crumbs, such as panko  
  • 8 to 10ounces fresh sea scallops, patted dry
  • 1tablespoon canola oil 
  • cup chopped tender herbs, such as parsley and dill, plus whole leaves for serving
  • 1teaspoon capers, chopped
  • Finely grated zest from 1 lemon or orange, optional
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

589 calories; 49 grams fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 34 grams monounsaturated fat; 6 grams polyunsaturated fat; 22 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 7 grams sugars; 18 grams protein; 654 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Add the shallots to a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the vinegar and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Heat a medium skillet (preferably not non-stick) over medium. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and tilt the pan so the oil coats the bottom. Once shimmering, add the bread crumbs. Cook, stirring often, until golden brown and toasty, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and wipe the pan clean.

  3. Step 3

    Toss the scallops with the canola oil in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Heat the same skillet over high. When the skillet is thoroughly heated, place the scallops in the pan, spacing them apart. Sear, undisturbed, until golden brown on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and repeat on the second side. Transfer to a serving platter.

  4. Step 4

    Finish the salsa: To the bowl with the shallots, add herbs, capers, the remaining 5 tablespoons olive oil and the lemon zest, if using, and stir to combine. Stir in the bread crumbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  5. Step 5

    To serve, spoon the salsa on and around the scallops; top with herb leaves.

Ratings

5 out of 5
117 user ratings
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Comments

Quick, easy, and tasty. I so wish the scallops were seasoned beyond just the salt and pepper. I might baste with garlic butter next time.

This was a tasty dish - used a touch less oil and I cook scallops in a very hot skillet for about 1 minute 30 seconds on each side - any longer and they get rubbery I find. Will make again as it's quick and easy.

Add a splash of sherry to the pan right before you take the scallops out and give it a nice stir. Adds a little more flavor to the scallops. Love the salsa! Had it over root vegetable hash

The lemon zest makes it so it is not optional for me.

Super tasty wow. I think next time I’ll go less heavy on the oils but aside from that I really loved this and it was so easy to whip up

I think I cooked a totally different recipe based on the comments. The salsa was very acidic and did not complement the scallops. I felt I wasted my time and the scallops.

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