Tropical Pineapple Seared Scallops

Name: Tropical Pineapple Seared Scallops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 pound sea scallops; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Cultures on a Plate Recipes

I absolutely love this dish of Tropical Pineapple Seared Scallops! The combination of perfectly seared scallops paired with sweet, juicy pineapple creates a flavor explosion that transports me to a sunny beach with every bite. I often prepare this for special occasions or summer gatherings, as it never fails to impress my guests. The recipe is easy enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough for even the most formal dinner parties. I can't wait for you to experience this delightful dish yourself!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:13:27.565Z

When I first tried Tropical Pineapple Seared Scallops at a local seafood restaurant, I was captivated by the harmony of flavors. The sweet, caramelized pineapple played beautifully against the rich, buttery scallops. Since then, I've made it my mission to recreate this dish at home. The key is ensuring that the scallops are dry before searing to achieve that golden crust while keeping them tender inside.

One of my favorite tips is to soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent them from burning—and they make serving the scallops even easier! Accompany this dish with a chilled white wine, and you'll have a wonderful culinary experience that feels like a mini-vacation on your plate.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The delightful contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
Quick to prepare yet looks incredible when served.
Perfect for impressing guests or a romantic dinner.

Choosing the Right Scallops

When making Tropical Pineapple Seared Scallops, the quality of the scallops is crucial for the best results. I recommend using dry-packed sea scallops, as they are sweeter and have a firmer texture compared to their wet counterparts, which can be soaked in preservatives that affect flavor and cooking. When selecting scallops, look for a creamy, slightly opaque appearance, and avoid those that have a strong fishy smell, indicating they may not be fresh.

To ensure even cooking, choose scallops that are of similar size; this way, they will sear uniformly. If you find large scallops, you can cut them in half horizontally to create more even pieces. Always keep scallops refrigerated until you are ready to cook them, and avoid pre-cooking so they retain their succulent texture.

The Perfect Sear

Achieving that beautiful golden crust on the scallops is all about getting the skillet hot enough before adding the scallops. I typically heat my skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes before adding oil; you're looking for the faint shimmer of the oil or a wisp of smoke. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan; overlapping will trap steam and prevent that crispy exterior. I recommend cooking in batches if necessary, keeping the first batch warm on a plate covered loosely with foil.

When searing, avoid moving the scallops around too much; they need to develop a nice crust. After about 2-3 minutes, check for that golden color on the bottom before flipping them. If the scallops stick to the pan, they likely aren't ready to flip yet—wait a bit longer for the crust to form before attempting.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this vibrant dish:

Ingredients

1 pound sea scallops
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Once you have everything ready, you're all set to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Tropical Pineapple Seared Scallops:

Prepare the Scallops

Rinse the sea scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Sauté the Pineapple

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pineapple and sauté for about 5 minutes until caramelized. Remove and set aside.

Sear the Scallops

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and the butter. Once hot, add the scallops. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Add Garlic and Lime

Add minced garlic to the skillet during the last minute of cooking, and splash with fresh lime juice before removing from heat.

Serve

Plate the scallops, top with caramelized pineapple, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serve immediately while they're warm and enjoy the marvelous flavors!

Pro Tips

For the best results, ensure your scallops are room temperature before cooking and dry them thoroughly to achieve a perfect sear.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers of the Tropical Pineapple Seared Scallops, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for about 1-2 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil to gently warm them through while preserving their texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can turn scallops rubbery.

For make-ahead options, consider preparing the pineapple ahead of time. You can sauté the pineapple and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the pineapple and quickly sear fresh scallops to create a dish that feels freshly made without the hassle.

Variations and Pairings

This recipe is highly versatile! Try substituting pineapple with other tropical fruits like mango or papaya, which also caramelize beautifully and add their unique sweet flavor. Additionally, incorporating a splash of coconut milk at the end of cooking can give this dish a creamy element that complements the fruit nicely.

For a complete meal, pair the scallops with a light salad or coconut rice to soak up any delicious leftover juices. I also love to add a zesty mango salsa on the side for an extra burst of flavor and freshness that complements the scallops and pineapple.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, but make sure to properly thaw and dry them before cooking.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This pairs wonderfully with a light salad or coconut rice.

→ Can I add spices to this recipe?

Absolutely! A touch of cayenne or paprika can add a nice kick.

→ How do I know when scallops are cooked?

They should be opaque in the center and have a golden crust on the outside.