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Pan-seared king scallops with crispy Prosciutto Crudo, cauliflower purée, apple gel and hazelnut crumb, beautifully plated in a Michelin-style presentation by Nicol Retailer Limited.

Pan-Seared Scallops with Prosciutto Crudo, Cauliflower Purée, Apple Gel & Hazelnut Crumb

Print Recipe
Sweet, caramelised king scallops meet the delicate saltiness of Prosciutto Crudo in this sophisticated starter. Served with silky cauliflower purée, tart green apple gel, and toasted hazelnut crumb, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, creamy, and crunchy textures.
Course Appetizer, Elegant Dinner Party Starte, Fine Dining Starter, Restaurant-Style Starter, Starter
Cuisine European, Fine Dining, Gourmet Seafood, Italian, Mediterranean, Michelin-Inspired, Modern British
Diet Low Calorie
Keyword Fine Dining Scallop Recipe, Gourmet Seafood Starter, Luxury Seafood Appetiser, Michelin Star Scallop Recipe, Prosciutto Crudo Recipe, Scallops with Prosciutto
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 465

Ingredients

For the Scallops

For the Cauliflower Purée

For the Apple Gel

For the Hazelnut Crumb

Garnish

Instructions

Make the Cauliflower Purée

  • Cut cauliflower into florets.
  • Simmer in cream until tender.
  • Blend with butter until silky smooth.
  • Season and pass through a fine sieve.
  • Keep warm.

Prepare the Apple Gel

  • Heat apple juice with agar agar.
  • Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour into a shallow tray.
  • Chill until set.
  • Blend until smooth to create a gel.

Make the Hazelnut Crumb

  • Toast hazelnuts until fragrant.
  • Blitz with breadcrumbs.
  • Lightly fry in butter until golden.
  • Cool before serving

Crisp the Prosciutto

  • Place Prosciutto slices on baking parchment.
  • Bake at 180°C for 8–10 minutes.
  • Cool and break into elegant shards.

Cook the Scallops

  • Pat scallops dry thoroughly.
  • Season lightly.
  • Heat a heavy pan until very hot. Add olive oil.
  • Sear scallops for 90 seconds per side.
  • Add butter and baste briefly.
    • The scallops should have a golden crust while remaining tender inside.

Michelin-Style Plating

  • Spoon a smooth swipe of cauliflower purée across the plate.
  • Arrange three scallops per portion.
  • Add dots of apple gel.
  • Scatter hazelnut crumb.
  • Position crispy Prosciutto shards for height.
  • Garnish with micro cress and chives.
  • Finish with a few drops of premium olive oil.

Notes

The beauty of this Michelin-inspired dish lies in the balance of flavours and textures. The natural sweetness of perfectly seared king scallops complements the delicate savoury richness of Prosciutto Crudo, while the silky cauliflower purée adds luxurious creaminess. The fresh apple gel introduces brightness and acidity, and the toasted hazelnut crumb delivers a satisfying crunch that elevates every bite.
For the best results, ensure your scallops are thoroughly dried before cooking and use a very hot pan to achieve a beautiful golden caramelised crust without overcooking the delicate flesh.
Gluten-Free Version
This recipe can easily be adapted for a gluten-free diet by replacing traditional panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in the hazelnut crumb. Always check ingredient labels to ensure all products are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Alternative
For a plant-based version, replace the scallops with king oyster mushrooms sliced into thick rounds and scored to mimic scallops. Substitute the Prosciutto Crudo with smoked carrot ribbons or vegan prosciutto-style slices. Replace the butter and double cream with plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter and oat cream. The result is an elegant vegan starter that retains the dish's sophisticated flavours and fine-dining appeal.
Pro Tips
Use fresh king scallops for the sweetest flavour and best texture.
Prepare the cauliflower purée ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
Crisp the Prosciutto Crudo just before plating to maintain maximum crunch.
For an extra layer of luxury, finish with a few drops of truffle oil or finely shaved black truffle.
Whether prepared as a refined seafood starter or adapted into a vegan or gluten-free creation, this dish offers a restaurant-quality dining experience that is perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, and gourmet entertaining

Nutrition

Serving: 250g | Calories: 465kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 720mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 2.5mg
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