Mouth-Watering Bay Scallops Ceviche Recipe

Welcome to my Bay Scallops Ceviche Recipe! If you are looking for a recipe that is both refreshing and satisfying, then you have come to the right place. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a summer picnic or a cozy dinner at home.

I have always been a fan of ceviche, a traditional South American dish that is made by marinating raw seafood in citrus juice. In this recipe, I use bay scallops as the star ingredient, which are smaller and sweeter than sea scallops. The scallops are cut into small pieces and marinated in a blend of fresh lime juice, diced bell peppers, red onions, and cilantro. The result is a burst of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

But what makes this recipe truly special is the combination of different textures and colors. The scallops are tender and juicy, while the bell peppers and onions add a satisfying crunch. The lime juice brings a bright acidity that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the scallops. And let’s not forget the fresh herbs that add a fragrant aroma to the dish.

So, if you are ready to impress your guests with a delicious and healthy appetizer, follow me to the kitchen and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a light and refreshing seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this amazing Bay Scallops Ceviche Recipe! I guarantee you’ll love this recipe for its delicious flavor, unique texture, and impressive presentation.

First and foremost, this recipe is bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of fresh lime juice, red onions, cilantro, and other aromatic ingredients. Served chilled, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a hot summer day or as a refreshing appetizer before a hearty meal.

What’s more, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires no cooking whatsoever. All you need to do is marinate the scallops in the citrus juice for a few hours, and let the acid “cook” the seafood. This not only saves you time in the kitchen but also results in a unique texture that’s tender, yet firm.

And let’s not forget about the impressive presentation of this dish. Served in a beautiful bowl with freshly diced bell peppers, green onions, and basil leaves, it’s both visually stunning and delicious. It’s the perfect dish to impress your guests or to serve when you want to treat yourself to something special.

In summary, this Bay Scallops Ceviche Recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and impressive to serve. Trust me, you won’t regret giving this recipe a try!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Bay Scallop Ceviche Recipe:

Main ingredients:

• 1 pound bay scallops or sea scallops, cut into quarters with the muscles removed
• 1 cup diced stewed tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Citrus Juice:

• 1 cup fresh lime juice (juice of about 8-10 limes), divided
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice

Garnish:

• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 4 cooked and peeled deveined shrimp, diced
• 1/4 cup diced mango

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before starting the recipe.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s start making our Bay Scallop Ceviche. This recipe is simple yet so flavorful, it is perfect for an appetizer or a light meal.

Step 1: Preparing the Scallops

To begin, we need to prepare the scallops. Rinse the bay scallops under cold water and pat them dry with a dry paper towel. Cut the larger scallops into smaller pieces about the same size as the bay scallops.

Step 2: Marinating the Scallops

In a medium bowl, combine the scallops with 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/4 cup of orange juice. The citrus juice will “cook” the scallops and give them a delicious flavor. Let the scallops marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until they are opaque and firm.

Step 3: Preparing the Vegetables

While the scallops are marinating, let’s prepare the vegetables. Dice 1 red onion, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper. Chop 4 green onions and 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro. Finally, cut 3-4 stewed tomatoes into small pieces.

Step 4: Mixing the Ingredients

Once the scallops are ready, remove them from the fridge and drain the excess liquid. In the same bowl, mix the scallops with the diced vegetables, chopped herbs, and the juice of 2 limes. Add 2 tablespoons of black pepper and 2 tablespoons of sea salt, or to taste. Mix everything well and let the scallop ceviche sit in the fridge for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 5: Serving the Bay Scallop Ceviche

Once the bay scallop ceviche has chilled and marinated, it is ready to serve. You can enjoy it as an appetizer, serve it with tortilla chips or crackers, or as a light meal. For a perfect pairing, serve with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Now that you know how to make this delicious bay scallop ceviche, it’s time to impress your guests with this flavorful and refreshing dish.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to mix it up with this bay scallop ceviche recipe, there are several substitutions and variations you can try. One easy substitution is to switch out the bay scallops for sea scallops or shrimp. Both types of seafood work well in ceviche and provide a slightly different taste and texture.

If you want to add some extra color and flavor to the dish, you can try adding diced mango or pineapple. These fruits will add a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the lime juice. You can also switch up the peppers in the recipe. If you don’t have yellow, green, and red bell peppers on hand, you can use any combination of bell peppers you have available.

For those who like a little heat, you can add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the mix. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes to control the spice level. Another variation is to add diced avocados to the ceviche. The creaminess of the avocado pairs well with the tangy citrus flavors in the dish.

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of lime juice used in the recipe or add some orange juice to the mix. This will give the dish a slightly sweeter taste and tone down the tartness of the lime juice. You can also try adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, to the ceviche for an extra burst of flavor.

Finally, if you want to switch things up completely, you can try making a seared scallop appetizer or a shrimp ceviche instead. Both of these dishes use seafood as the main ingredient but have different preparation methods and flavor profiles. Whatever variation you choose, be sure to experiment and have fun with the recipe!

Serving and Pairing

Bay scallop ceviche is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. It is a refreshing and light appetizer that is perfect for a summer party or a quick lunch. The dish can be served in small bowls, on a bed of lettuce or even in a halved avocado.

To elevate the flavors of the dish, I recommend pairing it with some crispy tortilla chips or tostadas. The crunchiness of the chips provides a nice contrast to the soft and tender scallops. You can also serve it with some freshly sliced avocado or a side of guacamole. The creamy texture of the avocado complements the bright and zesty flavors of the ceviche.

If you are looking for a wine pairing, I suggest a crisp and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity of the wine will balance out the acidity of the ceviche, while the fruitiness will complement the flavors of the dish.

For a non-alcoholic option, you can serve the ceviche with a fresh fruit juice, such as orange or pineapple. The sweetness of the juice will balance out the acidity of the dish and provide a refreshing and tropical taste.

Overall, bay scallop ceviche is a delicious and healthy dish that can be served in many different ways. With the right pairings, it can be a show-stopping appetizer that will impress your guests.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Bay Scallop Ceviche is a dish that can be prepared ahead of time, which makes it a great option for entertaining. You can marinate the scallops up to 24 hours before serving, but no more than that to avoid the texture of the scallops becoming too rubbery.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The scallops will continue to marinate and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients, making them even more delicious the next day.

When reheating the ceviche, it is important to do it gently to avoid overcooking the scallops. You can heat it in a pan over low heat or in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through.

However, if you have any doubts regarding the safety of the dish, it is best to discard it and prepare a fresh batch. Remember that seafood, especially raw, needs to be handled properly to avoid foodborne illness.

Overall, Bay Scallop Ceviche is a versatile dish that can be prepared ahead of time and enjoyed as leftovers. Just make sure to store and reheat it properly to maintain its fresh taste and texture.

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to making a delicious Bay Scallops Ceviche Recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve perfect results. Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your ceviche turns out flavorful and perfectly balanced.

First and foremost, it’s important to use the freshest ingredients possible. Fresh lime juice is crucial to the ceviche’s flavor, so make sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice. Additionally, opt for fresh, high-quality seafood such as bay scallops or sea scallops.

When preparing the scallops for the ceviche, it’s important to properly clean and cut them. Be sure to remove any tough muscles from the sides of the scallops and cut them into evenly sized pieces. For best results, cut the scallops into quarters or smaller.

To ensure that the scallops are fully cooked and tender, it’s important to marinate them in the lime juice for the appropriate amount of time. Typically, scallops should be marinated for at least 15-20 minutes. Be sure not to over-marinate them, as this can result in a tough, rubbery texture.

When it comes to seasoning the ceviche, it’s important to use a light touch. The flavors should be balanced and delicate, allowing the natural sweetness of the scallops to shine through. Use only a small amount of salt and black pepper to season the dish, and add additional lime juice or a touch of sugar if needed to balance the flavors.

Finally, be sure to serve the Bay Scallops Ceviche Recipe immediately after preparing it. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, and should not be stored for more than a few hours. Serve it as an appetizer, paired with sliced avocado or shrimp ceviche for a complete seafood spread.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to create a delicious and perfectly balanced Bay Scallops Ceviche Recipe that is sure to impress your guests.

FAQ

Before we conclude this article, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this bay scallops ceviche recipe. These questions will help you prepare and enjoy this dish to its fullest. So, let’s dive into it!

Do you rinse bay scallops before cooking?

Before cooking, it’s crucial to rinse the scallops and ensure they are completely dry. Excess moisture on the scallops’ surface can hinder their ability to brown evenly, resulting in an unsatisfactory taste. So, be sure to take the time to pat them dry using paper towels.

How long is scallop ceviche good for?

When preparing ceviche, it is important to keep in mind that the acidic marinade used to cook the fish can affect its texture and shelf life. While it is generally safe to consume ceviche within two days of refrigeration, it is not advisable to store leftovers due to the ongoing breakdown of proteins caused by the citric acid. Therefore, it is best to prepare only the amount that can be consumed in one sitting to ensure the best possible taste and texture.

Do Sea scallops and bay scallops taste different?

When it comes to scallops, taste and texture can vary depending on the type. Some may find that bay scallops have a sweeter flavor, while others may prefer the saltier taste of sea scallops. In terms of texture, sea scallops tend to have a firmer and thicker flesh, while bay scallops are generally more delicate and tender. It’s important to keep these differences in mind when selecting scallops for a recipe.

What do you soak scallops in before cooking?

For optimal results, it is recommended to soak your fresh scallops in a mixture of cold water, lemon juice, and salt for half an hour. A quart of water, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of salt should suffice for this purpose.

Bottom Line

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In conclusion, this Bay Scallops Ceviche Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy seafood in a fresh and vibrant way. The combination of lime juice, fresh herbs, and colorful vegetables make for a visually stunning and delicious appetizer or main dish. With the ability to make substitutions and variations, this recipe can cater to everyone’s taste buds. Plus, with the tips for perfect results and make-ahead instructions, it’s a great recipe to have in your back pocket for any occasion. So, why not give it a try? You’ll love how easy it is to make and how impressive it is to serve. So get in the kitchen and start cooking!

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