Spanish Scallops with Ham and Ahi Tuna

Once again, I was looking forward to scallops for dinner. I eagerly went to “my library” upstairs to do my research and poured through my cookbooks to search for something new and something different. I found a great recipe, that took me once again back to Spain; the Galacia region this time. The recipe is definitely a do-over. It was very tasty, with delicious hints of orange. The only thing I was not so happy about was that once again, when I opened my package of scallops, I had scallop pieces rather than big, giant sea scallops, like what the package lead me to believe they were. And Larry wonders why he is not allowed to go shopping anymore. HMMMMMM!

Spanish Scallops with Ham and Ahi Tuna

The tuna is optional. I had a little left over, but not nearly enough for a meal, so it got added to the mix. It was a great addition too. Tuscan Tuna

The Scallop Marinade

2 lbs scallops, preferably sea scallops, though bay scallops will work too

1/2 cup sherry

4 TBSP olive oil

1 TBSP Peruvian peppers, or pimentos

1/2 cup orange juice

2 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp cumin

salt & pepper to taste

1 shallot, sliced thin

3 cups ham or sausage, cooked

3-4 oz cooked Ahi tuna – optional

Mix everything together, except the ham and the tuna, and let the scallops marinade for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before cooking.

Add some olive oil to a hot skillet, then add the scallop mixture and cook for about 5 minutes at a medium heat.

Then add the ham and combine well. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Add the cooked Ahi tuna and additional cilantro if you would like, and cook just long enough for the tuna to heat up. You do not want to over cook it and make it tough.

Whatever you serve it with, mix it with the sherry vinaigrette to really bring out the flavors. You can serve this over lentils, rice, couscous or pasta. You can serve it as an appetizer or as a man dish. I chose to make it as a main dish and served it over my leftover couscous. Sundried Tomato Crepes with Chicken, Corn and Red Peppers

Sherry Vinaigrette

1/4 sherry vinegar

2 TBSP red wine vinegar

2 TBSP honey

2 tsp dried thyme

1 TBSP garlic

1 tsp orange zest

2/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped fine

salt & pepper to taste

Mix everything together well. When ready to serve, mix the vinaigrette into your grains or pasta. Add your scallop mixture, with the sauce, and serve over your grains or pasta. Enjoy this delicious Spanish meal with a cool, crisp Albarino, or other Spanish white wine of your choice. This is a perfect dinner for a beautiful spring day. !Desfruitas!

Stay well and stay safe everyone. ‘Til next time.

Author: ajeanneinthekitchen

I have worked in the restaurant and catering industry for over 35 years. I attended 2 culinary schools in Southern California, and have a degree in culinary arts from the Southern California School of Culinary Arts, as well as a few other degrees in other areas. I love to cook and I love to feed people. View all posts by ajeanneinthekitchen