Sea Scallop Brochettes with Orange-Saffron Aïoli

Name: Sea Scallop Brochettes with Orange-Saffron Aïoli
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 whole large egg yolks; 6 tablespoons fresh orange juice, divided; ⅛ teaspoon saffron threads; 1 tablespoon finely grated orange peel; 1 clove small garlic clove; 1 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; to taste Water; 24 whole medium sea scallops; 8 pieces 8-inch metal or bamboo skewers; 16 whole fresh bay leaves; 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 2 whole oranges, peeled, sectioned; ¼ cup chopped fresh chives

Elegant skewered sea scallops served with a luxurious orange-saffron aioli sauce. Fresh bay leaves and citrus elements create a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for special occasions.

8 servings

33 min

Published October 4, 2025

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Ingredients

•2 whole large egg yolks
•6 tablespoons fresh orange juice, divided
•⅛ teaspoon saffron threads
•1 tablespoon finely grated orange peel
•1 clove small garlic clove
•1 cup olive oil
•1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
•to taste Water
•24 whole medium sea scallops
•8 pieces 8-inch metal or bamboo skewers
•16 whole fresh bay leaves
•2 tablespoons Olive oil
•2 whole oranges, peeled, sectioned
•¼ cup chopped fresh chives

Cooking Instructions

1.
Whisk yolks, 4 tablespoons orange juice, and saffron in medium metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water (do not let bowl touch water). Whisk until thickened and thermometer registers 160°F, about 4 minutes. Transfer to processor. Add orange peel and garlic. With machine running, gradually add oil in thin stream until incorporated, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl. Transfer to medium bowl. Whisk in lemon juice and 2 tablespoons orange juice. Thin with water by teaspoonfuls, if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Do ahead Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.
15 min
2.
Thread 3 scallops on 1 skewer alternately with 2 bay leaves. Place on rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining scallops, skewers, and bay leaves. Do ahead Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Cover and chill. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper.
10 min
3.
Heat griddle or 2 heavy large skillets ssor grill pans over high heat; brush with oil. Cook scallops until brown and just opaque in center, about 2 minutes per side. Place 1 brochette on each of 8 plates. Drizzle scallops with aioli. Garnish with orange sections and chives.
8 min

Ingredients

•2 whole large egg yolks

•6 tablespoons fresh orange juice, divided

•⅛ teaspoon saffron threads

•1 tablespoon finely grated orange peel

•1 clove small garlic clove

•1 cup olive oil

•1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

•to taste Water

•24 whole medium sea scallops

•8 pieces 8-inch metal or bamboo skewers

•16 whole fresh bay leaves

•2 tablespoons Olive oil

•2 whole oranges, peeled, sectioned

•¼ cup chopped fresh chives

Cooking Instructions

Whisk yolks, 4 tablespoons orange juice, and saffron in medium metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water (do not let bowl touch water). Whisk until thickened and thermometer registers 160°F, about 4 minutes. Transfer to processor. Add orange peel and garlic. With machine running, gradually add oil in thin stream until incorporated, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl. Transfer to medium bowl. Whisk in lemon juice and 2 tablespoons orange juice. Thin with water by teaspoonfuls, if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Do ahead Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.

15 min

Thread 3 scallops on 1 skewer alternately with 2 bay leaves. Place on rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining scallops, skewers, and bay leaves. Do ahead Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Cover and chill. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper.

10 min

Heat griddle or 2 heavy large skillets ssor grill pans over high heat; brush with oil. Cook scallops until brown and just opaque in center, about 2 minutes per side. Place 1 brochette on each of 8 plates. Drizzle scallops with aioli. Garnish with orange sections and chives.

8 min