Pan-Seared Scallops with Heirloom Tomatoes, Mashed Potatoes, and Meyer Lemon

Scallops aren’t just for fancy restaurants. In fact, since all they need to become delectably tender and browned is a quick sear in a pan, they might just be the perfect ingredient for a sophisticated yet simple meal at home. To continue the easy elegance theme, we’re adding toasted hazelnuts, heirloom tomatoes, a buttery potato mash, and a few dashes of Meyer lemon—a fruit that’s a cross between a lemon and an orange and prized for its gently tart flavor.

This dish comes together in about 40 minutes and is naturally gluten-free. The key is to pat the scallops dry before searing to achieve that beautiful golden crust. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of brightness.

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Ingredients

16 ounce Yukon Gold PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce HazelnutsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ShallotView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Heirloom Grape TomatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce ChivesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Meyer LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup MilkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce ScallopsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon White Wine VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Peel potatoes, then cut into ½-inch cubes. Place in a medium pot with a pinch of salt and enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until easily pierced by a knife, about 12 minutes. Drain, then return to pot.
2. Spread out hazelnuts on a baking sheet. Toast in oven until golden brown, 5–8 minutes. (Tip: Keep an eye on them—they can burn easily.) Transfer to a plate to cool, then roughly chop.
3. Meanwhile, halve, peel, and mince shallot until you have 2 tablespoons. Halve tomatoes. Mince chives until you have ¼ cup. Cut lemon into wedges. After returning potatoes to pot, mash with a potato masher or fork. Stir in ½ cup milk. Season with salt and pepper. Tip: Add more milk, if needed, to achieve a creamy consistency.
4. Heat a large drizzle of oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Pat scallops dry with a paper towel, then season all over with salt and pepper. Add to pan and cook until browned and just firm, 3–5 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside, covered, to keep warm.
5. Reduce heat under pan to medium. Add a drizzle of oil and 1 tablespoon butter and allow butter to melt. Add minced shallot and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing, until shallot is translucent and tomato is softened, 3–5 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar and half the minced chives. Cook until chives have just started to wilt, about 30 seconds more. Remove pan from heat.
6. Divide mashed potatoes between plates. Top with scallops, then spoon shallot and tomato mixture over top. Sprinkle with hazelnuts and remaining minced chives. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Medium Pot

Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Sauce Pan with Cover, Stainless Steel Pot with Lid, Small Kitchen Pots, Dishwasher Safe, Compatible with Induction, Electric, Gas Cooktops, Oven Safe Saucepan, Cool Grip HandlesView on AmazonSENSARTE Nonstick Saucepan with Lid, 1.5 Quarts Small Pot with Swiss Granite Coating, Stay-cool Handle, Multipurpose Handy Sauce Pot Small Kitchen Cooking Pot, Induction Comptable, PFOA FreeView on AmazonCAROTE 8QT Full Clad Tri Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, Kitchen Soup Pot, All Stoves Compatible, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, White, Mothers Day GiftsView on Amazon

Peeler

OXO Good Grips Swivel PeelerView on AmazonSpring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Soft Grip Handle and Ultra Sharp Stainless Steel Blades - Perfect Kitchen Peeler For Veggie, Fruit, Potato, Carrot, Apple - BlackView on AmazonFUHUY Vegetable, Apple Peelers for kitchen, Fruit, Carrot, Veggie, Potatoes Peeler, Y-Shaped and I-Shaped Stainless Steel Peelers, with Ergonomic Non-Slip Handle & Sharp Blade, Good Sturdy (2PCS)View on Amazon

Strainer

Cuisinart, Mesh Strainers, Stainless Steel Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, Fine Mesh Kitchen Strainer Set for Sifting, Straining and Cooking, Ctg-00-3Ms, 3 CountView on Amazon3Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer with Handle, Small Medium Large Size Sifter Metal Strainer Set, Stainless Steel Sieve Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen Rice Juice Quinoa Food Flour Baking YLYLView on AmazonWinco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh, 8-Inch Diameter, Medium, Stainless Steel, Tan,SilverView on Amazon

Baking Sheet

GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on AmazonNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on AmazonNordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on Amazon

Plate

Quatish 24 Piece Plates and Bowls Sets for 6, Unbreakable Dinnerware Sets, Dish Set for Camping, Dishwasher Microwave Safe, Outdoor Kitchen and Apartment Dorm Dinning RV Essentials, BlackView on AmazonAmazon Basics 6-Piece White Dinner Plate Set, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe for Everyday Use, 10.5 inchesView on AmazonCorelle Vitrelle 8-Piece Dinner Plates Set Triple Layer Glass and Chip Resistant, Lightweight Round Plates, Winter Frost WhiteView on Amazon

Potato Masher

Chef Craft Select Sturdy Masher, 10.25 inch, Stainless Steel/BlackView on AmazonKitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher, 10.24-Inch, BlackView on AmazonUpgraded Potato Masher, Durable Non-break Handle, Rust-proof, Dishwasher safe, Heavy duty 304 Stainless Steel, Kitchen Gadgets Gifts, BlackView on Amazon

Large Pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All CooktopsView on Amazon

Paper Towel

Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)View on AmazonBounty Quick-Size Paper Towels, White, 8 Family Triple Rolls = 27 Regular RollsView on AmazonAmazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 40 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll, Packaging May VaryView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Yes, regular lemons work well. Meyer lemons are slightly sweeter and less acidic, but regular lemons will still add a bright flavor.

How do I know when scallops are cooked?

Scallops are done when they are opaque and firm to the touch, with a golden-brown crust on each side. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.