12-16ouncessea scallops, sliced horizontally in half
8ouncesthin green beans, lightly steamed to crisp-tender
Freshly ground black pepper
OOLONG-PEACH SAUCE (Makes 1 1/2 cups)
3tablespoonsloose-leaf Tieguanyin or Hairy Crab oolong tea
1 1/2cupswater
2stalkslemongrass, tender portion only, trimmed and split lengthwise
6green onions, white and light green parts, cut into 2-inch pieces
2large peaches, peeled, quartered, and roughly chopped (about 1 3/4 cups)or 4 small peaches
1tablespoonunsalted butter
1teaspoonhoney
1/4teaspoonsalt
1pinchcayenne pepper
Instructions
In a heavy saucepan, rinse rice in several changes of cold water. Combine rice with 1 1/4 cups cold water and soak for 30-60 minutes.
While rice is soaking, brew tea for the sauce: Place tea leaves in a teapot or heatproof pitcher. Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil; cool for 2 minutes to 185°. Pour over tea leaves, cover, and infuse for 2-3 minutes. Strain tea, let leaves rest for 1-2 minutes, then recombine leaves with brewed tea and steep again for 2-3 minutes. Strain, discarding tea leaves. This double-strength infusion will yield about 1 cup liquid tea.
After soaking, bring rice to a boil; stir once, reduce heat, and simmer gently, uncovered, until all water is absorbed (15 minutes maximum). Place a clean, dry tea towel over the top of the pan and cover tightly with a lid. On lowest heat, cook rice for an additional 8 minutes—do not peek—then remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
While rice is cooking, combine 1 cup brewed tea, lemongrass, and green onions in a small heavy saucepan and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove lemongrass and green onions. Add peach chunks, 1 tablespoon butter, honey, salt, and cayenne pepper. Depending on the peaches’ juiciness, simmer 5-10 minutes. The sauce should coat a spoon but not be thick, and peaches should retain their shape. Season to taste.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet. Increase temperature to high and add scallops. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side. On each serving plate, arrange scallops and steamed green beans around a bed of rice. Pour sauce over scallops. Grind fresh black pepper over all.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Scallops in Oolong-Peach Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 351
% Daily Value*
Cholesterol 43mg14%
Sodium 235mg10%
Total Carbohydrates 51g17%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Protein 20g40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.