Grilled Scallops and Rainbow Peppers over Wilted Greens in a Fresh Cilantro Dressing

Name: Grilled Scallops and Rainbow Peppers over Wilted Greens in a Fresh Cilantro Dressing
Ingredients: 1½ pounds sea scallops , rinsed and drained; 2 tablespoons rice wine or sake; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1 red bell pepper , cored, seeded, and cut into 1½-inch squares; 1 yellow pepper , cored, seeded, and cut into 1½-inch squares; 1 orange pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1½-inch squares; 1/3 cup soy sauce; ¼ cup clear rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1½ tablespoons sugar; 1½ tablespoons rice wine or sake; 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro , leaves only; 1 pound snow pea shoots , tender spinach, or other baby greens, rinsed and drained; 2 teaspoons canola or corn oil; 1½ tablespoons minced garlic; 2 tablespoons rice wine or sake; 1 teaspoon salt

Chef

Nina Simonds

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Cookbook

A Spoonful of Ginger: Irresistable, Health-Giving Recipes from Asian Kitchens

Published by Knopf

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This is one of my favorite summer lunches or light dinners, and it can be prepared easily in advance. I often substitute shrimp or squid for the scallops, depending on their availability.

NotesSnow pea shoots and snow peas are sweet and neutral in nature, so they naturally complement many foods. They are reputed to reinforce the spleen and qi and promote the production of bodily fluids, thereby reducing thirst.

Cilantro is pungent and warming. Chinese doctors feel that it promotes blood circulation, and it is often prescribed internally and externally. Cilantro paste is often applied for easing the discomfort of chicken pox and measles.

Serves6

Cooking Methodbroiling, grilling, stir-frying

CostSplurge

Total Timeunder 1 hour

Make Ahead RecipeYes

Kid FriendlyYes

One Pot MealYes

OccasionCasual Dinner Party

Recipe Coursemain course

Dietary Considerationhealthy

Equipmentgrill, wok

Five Ingredients or LessYes

Mealdinner, lunch

Moodfestive

Taste and Texturesavory, spiced

Type of Dishskewer

Ingredients

1½ pounds sea scallops, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons rice wine or sake
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1½-inch squares
1 yellow pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1½-inch squares
1 orange pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1½-inch squares
1/3 cup soy sauce
¼ cup clear rice vinegar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1½ tablespoons sugar
1½ tablespoons rice wine or sake
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, leaves only
1 pound snow pea shoots, tender spinach, or other baby greens, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons canola or corn oil
1½ tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons rice wine or sake
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

6 to 8 10-inch bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soaked in cold water to cover for 1 hour)
Put the scallops in a bowl. Mix the Ginger Marinade ingredients and pour them over the scallops, tossing lightly to coat. Cover with plastic wrap, and let the scallops sit at least 30 minutes. Alternately thread the peppers and the scallops onto the bamboo skewers, starting and ending with the peppers. Brush the scallops and peppers with the marinade.
Mix the Cilantro Dressing ingredients in a bowl. Trim the wilted or any hard stems from the snow pea shoots or baby greens and place near the stove. Pour the Cilantro Dressing into a serving container.
Heat a wok or large skillet, add the oil, and heat until near smoking. Add the greens and garlic and toss lightly about 20 seconds, then add the rice wine and salt, and toss lightly over high heat about 1 minute or less, until the greens are slightly wilted but still bright green. Spoon the greens onto a serving platter and mound slightly so that the scallops can be arranged on top.
Prepare a fire for grilling and arrange the skewers of scallops and peppers about 3 inches from the source of heat. Broil or grill about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning once and brushing with the marinade. Arrange the cooked scallops and peppers over the wilted greens, leaving them on the skewers or removing them. Spoon the Cilantro Dressing on top or serve on the side. Serve warm.