Sesame Scallops with Honey Soy Glaze and Fried Basil Leaves

If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also rich in flavor, these Sesame Scallops with Honey Soy Glaze and Fried Basil Leaves are perfect for your next meal. This recipe combines the delicate sweetness of perfectly seared scallops with the savory complexity of a honey soy glaze and a crispy garnish of fried basil leaves. The result is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just treating yourself.

Scallops are a delicacy, known for their tender texture and subtle sweetness, which makes them a fantastic canvas for bold flavors. The honey soy glaze brings a balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes, while the sesame seeds add nuttiness and a bit of crunch. Finally, the fried basil leaves bring a unique aromatic crispness that contrasts beautifully with the soft scallops. This dish is ideal as an appetizer or a light main course, and it pairs well with rice, sautéed greens, or a simple salad.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step to achieve perfectly seared scallops with a golden crust, as well as how to make a flavorful glaze and crispy basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Sesame Scallops with Honey Soy Glaze and Fried Basil Leaves are a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dish that’s both flavorful and visually impressive. You’ll love how the golden-crusted scallops pair with the sweet and savory honey soy glaze, while the fried basil leaves add a crispy, fragrant touch. This dish is versatile, making it perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or any occasion when you want to impress. Plus, it only takes a handful of ingredients and a few simple techniques to create a truly memorable dish. The combination of flavors and textures makes each bite a delight, and you’ll find yourself wanting to make this recipe again and again.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 3-4 scallops

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

Ingredients

For the Scallops

• 1 pound large sea scallops (about 12-16 scallops)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Honey Soy Glaze

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

For the Garnish

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying basil)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (black or white)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Simmer and Reduce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside. This glaze will provide a rich, sticky coating for the scallops.

Step 2: Fry the Basil Leaves

1. Heat Oil for Frying: In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Fry Basil Leaves: Carefully add the basil leaves to the hot oil. Fry for about 5-10 seconds, or until the leaves become crisp but still maintain their green color. Be cautious, as the oil may splatter due to the moisture in the basil leaves.
3. Drain and Set Aside: Remove the basil leaves from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Set aside for garnish.

Step 3: Sear the Scallops

1. Pat Scallops Dry: Use paper towels to pat the scallops dry thoroughly. This step is essential to achieve a good sear, as excess moisture will prevent the scallops from browning.
2. Season Scallops: Season the scallops on both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
3. Heat Oil in Pan: In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil and vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering hot.
4. Add Scallops to Pan: Place the scallops in the pan in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until a golden crust forms. Do not move the scallops while they’re searing to ensure a beautiful crust.
5. Remove from Heat: Once seared on both

sides and just cooked through, remove the scallops from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Set aside while you finish the dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Drizzle Glaze Over Scallops: Arrange the seared scallops on a serving plate. Drizzle the honey soy glaze over the scallops, coating them generously for a sticky, flavorful finish.
2. Add Garnishes: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the glazed scallops for a touch of nuttiness and crunch. Add the fried basil leaves on top for a crispy, fragrant garnish. The bright green basil adds a lovely pop of color and complements the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

1. Presentation Tips: Serve the Sesame Scallops with Honey Soy Glaze and Fried Basil Leaves warm. For a complete meal, pair them with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You can also add a wedge of lime or lemon on the side for a hint of acidity that complements the dish.

Ingredient Background

This recipe highlights the delicate, natural sweetness of scallops, which are enhanced by a well-balanced glaze and garnishes. Scallops are prized for their tender, buttery texture and subtly sweet flavor, making them perfect for quick searing. The honey soy glaze combines savory soy sauce with the sweetness of honey, the acidity of rice vinegar, and the aromatics of garlic and ginger, resulting in a complex yet harmonious sauce. Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma to the scallops, while the fried basil leaves introduce a crispy texture and herbaceous notes that balance the dish.

Technique Tips

• Pat Scallops Dry: Make sure to pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels before searing. This step is crucial to achieving a nice golden crust and preventing the scallops from steaming.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Place the scallops in a single layer in the pan with space between each one. Overcrowding will trap steam and prevent browning.
• Use Medium-High Heat for Searing: The high heat helps create a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the scallops tender inside.
• Quick Frying for Basil Leaves: Basil leaves fry quickly, so watch them closely. They should turn crispy without losing their vibrant green color.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Skewered Scallops: Thread the scallops onto skewers for a fun presentation, brushing them with glaze as you serve. This makes them easier to enjoy as an appetizer.
• Scallop Rice Bowl: Serve the scallops over a bed of steamed rice, drizzle with glaze, and garnish with fried basil leaves. Add sliced avocado and pickled ginger for a complete bowl meal.
• Mini Tacos: Serve the glazed scallops in mini tortillas with shredded cabbage, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a bit of glaze for an Asian-inspired seafood taco.
• Scallop Salad: Place the scallops on a bed of mixed greens, drizzle with glaze, and add the fried basil leaves as a garnish for a light, refreshing scallop salad.

Additional Tips for Success

• Choose Fresh Scallops: Fresh, high-quality scallops make a difference in this dish. Look for “dry” scallops (untreated) for the best sear and flavor.
• Watch the Glaze Consistency: Don’t overreduce the glaze, as it can become too thick and overly salty. You want it to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
• Serve Immediately: Scallops are best enjoyed right after cooking, as they can become rubbery if left to cool for too long.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Sesame Scallops: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Citrus Honey Glaze: Substitute lime or orange juice for the rice vinegar in the glaze for a citrusy twist.
• Garlic Herb Butter Scallops: Swap out the sesame oil with garlic herb butter for a more classic flavor profile and skip the glaze.
• Coconut Basil Scallops: Use coconut oil in place of sesame oil and garnish with fresh coconut flakes along with fried basil for a tropical twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The basil leaves may lose their crispness, so it’s best to add fresh garnish if reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat scallops gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a touch of glaze to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make scallops rubbery.
• Freezing: Scallops don’t freeze well once cooked. It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but if you must freeze them, place them in an airtight container and consume within one month.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Reduce Sugar: Use less honey in the glaze or substitute with a lower-sugar sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a lighter glaze.
• Use Less Oil: Reduce the oil amount for searing the scallops and frying the basil leaves to lower the fat content.
• Serve with Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: Instead of rice, pair the scallops with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Substitute Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) to reduce the sodium content of the dish.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Dinner Party Appetizer: Serve these Sesame Scallops with Honey Soy Glaze as an appetizer for a dinner party. Place one or two scallops per serving plate with glaze and garnish for an elegant presentation.
• Holiday Gathering: This dish is perfect for special occasions like New Year’s Eve or holiday gatherings where you want to impress guests.
• Romantic Dinner: Serve as the main course for a romantic dinner for two, pairing the scallops with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Outdoor Party: For an outdoor summer gathering, serve these scallops on skewers, garnished with the glaze and basil leaves, for a fun, shareable dish.

Special Equipment

• Heavy Skillet: A heavy skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) is ideal for searing scallops, as it holds heat well and helps achieve a golden crust.
• Small Saucepan: A small saucepan is useful for making the glaze.
• Tongs: Tongs make it easy to handle the scallops and fried basil leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking to achieve the best sear.

2. Can I substitute fresh basil for dried basil?
No, dried basil won’t provide the same flavor or texture. Use fresh basil for this recipe to achieve the best results.

3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before drizzling over the scallops.

4. How do I know when scallops are cooked?
Scallops are done when they have an opaque center and a golden crust. They should feel slightly firm to the touch but still tender.

5. Can I use olive oil instead of sesame oil?
Yes, olive oil works well for searing scallops if you don’t have sesame oil, but sesame oil adds a unique flavor that complements the glaze.

6. Can I omit the honey for a sugar-free version?
Yes, you can omit or reduce the honey, though it may alter the balance of flavors. Try using a sugar-free sweetener if you want a touch of sweetness.

7. How can I keep the basil leaves crispy?
Serve the basil leaves right after frying, as they may lose crispness over time. Avoid placing them directly on moist foods to maintain their texture.

8. Can I use this glaze for other seafood?
Absolutely! This honey soy glaze works well with shrimp, salmon, or even chicken.

Conclusion

Sesame Scallops with Honey Soy Glaze and Fried Basil Leaves are an impressive yet simple dish that combines the natural sweetness of seared scallops with a savory glaze and crispy, aromatic basil. This recipe elevates scallops with minimal ingredients and a straightforward technique, making it ideal for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or as part of an elegant seafood platter, these scallops are sure to be a hit. With their golden crust, glossy glaze, and vibrant garnishes, these Sesame Scallops are not only delicious but also visually stunning—an unforgettable treat for any seafood lover!