Miso Glazed Seared Scallops

Name: Miso Glazed Seared Scallops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 8 large sea scallops; 2 tablespoons white miso paste; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped green onions, for garnish

Highlighted under: Fit & Flavorful Recipes

When I first tried miso glazed seared scallops, I was instantly captivated by their rich umami flavor combined with the delicate sweetness of the scallops. Each bite was a harmonious balance of textures, with a crispy sear on the outside and a tender, juicy center. Cooking scallops can be intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, they become an easy yet impressive dish. The glaze brings an extra layer of flavor that makes them irresistible, especially when paired with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-01-22T10:29:27.883Z

I remember the first time I served miso glazed seared scallops at a dinner party. Everyone was amazed at how gourmet the dish looked and tasted, yet it was so easy to prepare! The secret is a simple marinade that infuses the scallops with flavor and ensures they remain moist while getting a beautiful golden crust from the searing process.

One valuable tip I learned is to make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the scallops. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect caramelized exterior. I also recommend patting the scallops dry with a paper towel before cooking; excess moisture can prevent a proper sear.

Why You'll Love These Scallops
The savory umami flavor of miso elevates each scallop to a new level.
Quick preparation time makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The crispy sear contrasts beautifully with the tender, buttery scallops.

The Importance of Properly Searing Scallops

Searing scallops is a delicate process that requires the right temperature and timing. When heating your skillet, aim for medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke, indicating it's ready. Adding scallops too soon will lead to sticking; letting them sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side allows a beautiful golden crust to form, sealing in their natural juices. A properly seared scallop should release easily from the pan without tearing, ensuring a perfect presentation.

To achieve that elusive crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior, select larger sea scallops. Their size allows for enough time on the heat to develop that caramelization without overcooking through. If the scallops are small, decrease the searing time slightly. When in doubt, use a fish spatula to gently lift one and check for that golden-brown color before flipping.

Miso Glaze: A Flavor Powerhouse

Miso paste forms the backbone of the glaze in this recipe, providing a savory depth that enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops. Its fermentation process gives it a complexity that can’t be matched by other seasonings. When mixing the glaze, whisk thoroughly to ensure it's uniformly smooth and well-combined; this ensures each scallop gets a balanced coating of flavor without the risk of clumping.

If you're looking to mix things up, consider using red miso for a more robust flavor, or even a touch of coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute if you're following a soy-free diet. When using honey, feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference, as the glaze should complement, not overpower, the scallops’ natural taste.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Once your scallops are seared to perfection, they can be served immediately over a bed of simple roasted vegetables or alongside a light salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon or a side of pickled vegetables to enhance the umami notes of the miso. For a complete meal, pair with a side of jasmine rice or quinoa, which can soak up any delicious extra glaze left on the plate.

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, for best texture, reheating in a skillet is preferable to microwaving; this helps regain some of the original sear. Simply warm them over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes, taking care not to overcook, or they may become rubbery.

Ingredients

To create this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

8 large sea scallops
2 tablespoons white miso paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Now that you have everything you need, it's time to get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your miso glazed seared scallops:

Prepare the Miso Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside.

Marinate the Scallops

Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Brush the miso glaze over the scallops, making sure they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes.

Sear the Scallops

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the scallops in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they're golden brown.

Serve

Remove the scallops from the pan and place them on a plate. Drizzle with extra miso glaze if desired, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your beautifully made miso glazed seared scallops!

Pro Tips

For best results, ensure scallops are at room temperature before cooking and avoid flipping them too often to achieve a perfect sear.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue cooks face with scallops is overcooking, which leads to a rubbery texture. To avoid this, ensure your heat is adequate and carefully time the searing process. If unsure, err on the side of undercooking; scallops will continue to cook slightly after removal from the heat due to residual heat. Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F for perfectly tender scallops.

Another potential pitfall is not drying the scallops after rinsing. Excess moisture can lead to steaming instead of searing. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the scallops dry before seasoning; this will help achieve that desired crust.

Ingredient Variations

If you're out of white miso, yellow miso can serve as a substitute, though it may yield a slightly sweeter glaze. Alternatively, tahini or nut-based products can mimic the creamy texture of miso for a plant-based version, but be sure to adjust the seasonings to maintain balance. Additionally, experimenting with flavored oils, such as garlic-infused oil, can add another layer of complexity to the dish.

For those who prefer seafood alternatives, shrimp or even firm tofu can be glazed and cooked in the same method. Adjust the cooking time as necessary, as shrimp requires less time to cook through and tofu may need a longer searing time to develop a pleasant crust.

Make-Ahead Strategies

To simplify your cooking process, you can prepare the miso glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste when cooked. Just give it a good stir before using, as some separation may occur during storage.

For marinating, consider prepping the scallops earlier in the day and letting them soak in the glaze for a more intense flavor. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container, checking periodically to prevent them from sticking together. When ready to cook, simply sear them straight from the fridge for a quick, effortless meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

→ What can I serve with scallops?

They pair well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.

→ Is miso gluten-free?

Traditional miso contains soy, which may have gluten. Check the label, or use gluten-free miso paste.

→ How do I know when scallops are done cooking?

Scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch when fully cooked—usually about 2-3 minutes on each side.