Zesty Lime Scallops with Herb Orzo
Indulge in this vibrant and refreshing Zesty Lime Scallops with Herb Orzo dish, perfect for summer days! This delightful meal combines tender scallops, infused with zesty lime and fresh dill, served on a bed of creamy orzo pasta. This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also rich in nutrients. Ideal for outdoor gatherings or a fancy dinner at home, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the harmony of textures and ingredients that celebrate the beauty of seasonal cooking.
6
Servings
80
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orzo pasta
1 lb (Uncooked)
Dill sprigs
4 (Whole)
Fresh dill, chopped
1/3 cup (Freshly chopped)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking)
Carrot
1 (Grated)
Bay or sea scallops
1 lb (Cut into 1/2-inch chunks)
Ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Lime juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Lime zest
1 tablespoon (Finely grated)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta along with the dill sprigs, cooking until the orzo is al dente (approximately 10 minutes or according to package instructions).
2
Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water. Once cooked, drain the orzo and discard the dill sprigs.
3
In a large wok or skillet, coat the surface with cooking spray and add olive oil. Heat over medium-high until shimmering. Add the grated carrot and stir-fry for about 1 minute until tender but still vibrant.
4
Introduce the scallops to the wok, stirring gently to combine. Add the drained orzo and the reserved cooking water, continuously stirring until most of the liquid has evaporated and the scallops are cooked through and opaque (about 4 to 5 minutes).
5
Finally, fold in the ground pepper, freshly chopped dill, lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra lime zest or dill, if desired.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
9.7g
Carbs
5.8g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
0.2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Zesty Lime Scallops with Herb Orzo?
The main protein consists of 1 lb of bay or sea scallops, cut into 1/2-inch chunks.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 lb of uncooked orzo pasta.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
How long should the orzo be boiled?
The orzo should be boiled for about 10 minutes or until al dente.
Can I use sea scallops instead of bay scallops?
Yes, the recipe allows for either bay or sea scallops.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, light meal with low fat and calorie content.
Which fresh herbs are included?
Fresh dill is used, both as whole sprigs for boiling and chopped for the final dish.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 1.5g of fat per serving.
How should the scallops be prepared before cooking?
The scallops should be cut into 1/2-inch chunks.
What should I do with the dill sprigs after boiling the pasta?
The dill sprigs should be discarded after the orzo is drained.
How much olive oil is used for cooking?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Why is the pasta cooking water reserved?
One cup of reserved water is added back to the wok to help cook the scallops and create a sauce texture.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer dinner?
Yes, it is described as a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for summer days.
How much protein is provided in each serving?
Each serving provides 5.8g of protein.
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 10.
What vegetable is stir-fried with the scallops?
One grated carrot is added to the stir-fry.
What type of pan is recommended for cooking the scallops?
A large wok or skillet is recommended.
How can I tell when the scallops are done?
The scallops are done when they are cooked through and have become opaque.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
There is 0.5g of fiber per serving.
How much lime zest is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely grated lime zest.
What is the sugar content per serving?
The sugar content is very low at 0.2g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains 9.7g of carbohydrates.
What is the weight of the orzo pasta required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of orzo pasta.
When is the fresh chopped dill added to the dish?
The chopped dill is folded in at the final stage along with the lime and garlic.
How long does it take to cook the scallops in the wok?
It takes about 4 to 5 minutes for the scallops to cook through once added to the wok.
When should the minced garlic be added?
The garlic is added at the very end and cooked for one additional minute to allow flavors to meld.
What kind of pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.