Pan-Seared Scallops with Bacon and Spinach
February 3, 2017
This quick, simple scallop dish brings the restaurant elegance home, making it perfect for a date night in. With plenty of vitamin B12 and omega-3s, your cardiovascular system will thank you too.
Virgin Diet compliant: Cycles 1, 2, and 3
Sugar Impact Diet compliant: Cycles 1, 2, and 3
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Directions
1Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2Add the bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, 6 to 7 minutes.
3Drain on a plate lined with a paper towel; chop and set aside.
4Pour off all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from skillet, setting aside 2 teaspoons for cooking the scallops.
5Heat the fat in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, shallot, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally until softened and lightly browned, 6 to 7 minutes.
6Add the spinach and cook, stirring until hot, about 2 minutes.
7Stir in the bacon, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper.
8Transfer to a bowl and keep warm.
9Wipe out the skillet and heat the reserved 2 teaspoons bacon fat over medium-high heat. Season the scallops with the remaining salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
10Place the scallops in the skillet and cook turning once, until nicely browned and just opaque in the center, 5 to 6 minutes.
11Divide the spinach among four plates and top with the scallops. Serve and enjoy!
*For moist, tender scallops, cook until they just turn opaque in the center.
This recipe is part of the Romantic Night In menu, with Pan-Seared Scallops with Bacon and Spinach; Grass-Fed Beef Tenderloin Steaks with Sauteed Shiitakes; Lemony Roasted Artichoke Hearts; and Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Cacao Nibs. Check out the Romantic Night In Menu and Guide for links to all the recipes, plus more handy tips and tricks for the perfect date night.
Originally published in The Virgin Diet Cookbook, Grand Central Life & Style, 2014
Want more delicious, nutritious recipes? Check out jjvirgin.com/recipes.
