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Close-up of seared scallops arranged over colorful mixed grains.

Mixed Grain Pilaf with Seared Scallops

A flavorful and elegant dish featuring seared scallops served atop a hearty mixed grain pilaf made with brown rice, wheatberries, couscous, fresh herbs, and a savory black bean garlic sauce.
Servings

Ingredients

For the Grain Pilaf:

  • ½ cup brown rice
  • ¾ cup water for rice
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup wheatberries
  • ¾ cup water for wheatberries
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup couscous
  • ¾ cup water for couscous
  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 rib celery finely chopped
  • 1 small carrot finely grated
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon black bean garlic sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup pine nuts toasted

For the Seared Scallops:

  • 12 to 16 large scallops
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons avocado oil

Instructions
 

Prepare the Grains

  1. In three separate small saucepans, begin by cooking the brown rice and wheatberries. For each, bring ¾ cup water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add the grains, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20–30 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the grains are tender.
  2. For the couscous, bring ¾ cup water with a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of avocado oil to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and allow it to steam for 5–10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork before using.

Chop and Prepare the Vegetables

  1. While the grains cook, finely chop the onion, garlic, celery, green onions, and cilantro. Grate the carrot. Set all vegetables aside until ready to use.

Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of black bean garlic sauce with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir to combine and set aside.

Pat and Season the Scallops

  1. Ensure scallops are completely dry by patting them with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Cook the Pilaf

  1. In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and celery for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add in the cooked rice, couscous, wheatberries, and grated carrot. Stir to combine well. Then add the prepared black bean garlic sauce, fresh cilantro, and toasted pine nuts. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.

Sear the Scallops

  1. In a separate large frying pan, heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of avocado oil over high heat. Carefully place each scallop into the pan, ensuring they are not crowded and have room to sear properly. Sear undisturbed for 2 to 4 minutes until the bottoms develop a deep golden crust and release easily. Flip and cook an additional 2 minutes on the second side.

Plate and Serve

  1. Spoon the warm mixed grain pilaf onto serving plates. Top each portion with several seared scallops. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the couscous with a naturally gluten-free grain such as quinoa or millet. Also, double-check the ingredients in the black bean garlic sauce, as some brands may contain wheat-based soy sauce. Opt for a certified gluten-free version or substitute with tamari mixed with minced garlic and a small amount of miso paste.
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