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–+ servings
A small shell on a plate containing 3 small scallops, pesto cream and mustard caviar.
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4.20 from 5 votes

Pesto Scallop Amuse Bouche

What could be more elegant that a pretty little pesto scallop amuse-bouche!? It's so lovely, so special and so simple to make!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time3 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 131kcal
Author: Genevieve Morrison

Equipment

  • small skillet - preferably cast iron
  • 8 appetizer shells or small bowls
  • food processor
  • small mixing bowl

Ingredients

For the Pesto Cream

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup fresh grated parmesan
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts - or pepitas
  • 1 tsp. white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. heavy whipping cream

For the Scallops

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Place 1 cup fresh basil, 2 tbsp. pine nuts (or pepitas) and ¼ cup fresh grated parmesan into a food processor. Pour ¼ cup olive oil and 1 tsp. white balsamic vinegar over the other ingredients. Process everything together into a pesto paste. Add 1 tbsp. of heavy whipping cream and stir. Place in a sealable container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Lay out your shells or tiny serving plates and add a dollop of pesto cream to each. Add 1 tsp. butter to your pan and turn your heat to HIGH. Once your pan is hot (about 30 seconds), add 24 bay scallops, ensuring there is about an inch between them.
  • Let them sit in the pan without moving for 1-2 minutes until a side is brown. Roll them over, then sear them for another 1-2 more minutes.
  • Squeeze juice from half a lemon over them and let the juice sizzle for a few seconds while swirling the scallops in the pan. Remove quickly into a bowl so you can place them into your shells or plates.
  • Garnish with balsamic-soaked mustard seeds and serve.

Notes

If you’ve never made mustard caviar, it couldn’t be simpler! Balsamic vinegar is best for this recipe, but you can make it with any kind of sauce you like! My favorite flavors are Sriracha, pickle juice, soy sauce and of course, this delicious balsamic caviar.
Nutrition information is an estimate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Amuse Bouche | Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 232mg | Potassium: 116mg | Vitamin A: 225IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 0.5mg