Seared Scallops with Fresh Tomato-Basil Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
- 1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, divided
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 tsp black pepper, divided
- 16 dry packed jumbo scallops
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
-
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of the basil, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and release their juices, 6 to 7 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; cover and keep warm.
-
Wipe skillet clean. Pat scallops dry with paper towels, and season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Heat remaining 2tablespoons oil in skillet over high. Add scallops, and cook until golden brown, about 1 minute and 30 seconds per side. (Do not overcook.)
-
Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Stir in butter and parsley.
-
Divide orzo among serving plates; top each with about 2/3cup tomato sauce and 4 scallops. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 2 tablespoons basil.
