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Plated seafood dish with vibrant grain pilaf and herb topping

Mixed Grain Pilaf with Seared Scallops

A savory mixed grain pilaf with brown rice, wheatberries, couscous, vegetables, cilantro, pine nuts, and golden seared scallops.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
Keyword: Mixed Grain Pilaf with Seared Scallops

Ingredients

For the Mixed Grain Pilaf

  • 1/2 c brown rice
  • 3/4 c water for cooking brown rice
  • Pinch of salt for brown rice
  • 1/4 c wheatberries
  • 3/4 c water for cooking wheatberries
  • Pinch of salt for wheatberries
  • 1/2 c couscous
  • 3/4 c water for couscous
  • 1 tsp avocado oil
  • Pinch of salt for couscous
  • 1/2 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 rib celery finely chopped
  • 1 small carrot finely grated
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • 1/3 c fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tbsp black bean garlic sauce
  • 1 tbsp water for thinning the sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 c pine nuts toasted

For the Seared Scallops

  • 12 to 16 large scallops
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 to 3 tbsp avocado oil

Instructions

Cook the brown rice.

  • In a small saucepan, combine the brown rice, 3/4 c water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Cook the wheatberries.

  • In a separate small saucepan, combine the wheatberries, 3/4 c water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the wheatberries are tender but still slightly chewy.

Prepare the couscous.

  • In another small saucepan, combine 3/4 c water, 1 tsp avocado oil, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat. Stir in the couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork.

Prepare the vegetables and herbs.

  • While the grains are cooking, finely chop the onion, garlic, celery, green onions, and cilantro. Finely grate the carrot and set all prepared vegetables and herbs aside.

Prepare the sauce.

  • In a small bowl, combine the black bean garlic sauce with 1 tbsp water. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Prepare the scallops.

  • Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Set aside while the pilaf is assembled.

Sauté the aromatics.

  • In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Combine the grains and vegetables.

  • Add the cooked brown rice, cooked wheatberries, prepared couscous, and grated carrot to the wok. Stir gently until the grains and vegetables are evenly combined.

Finish the pilaf.

  • Add the prepared black bean garlic sauce, chopped cilantro, and toasted pine nuts. Toss until evenly distributed. Keep the pilaf warm while the scallops are cooked.

Heat the pan for scallops.

  • In a large frying pan, heat 2 to 3 tbsp avocado oil over high heat until the oil is hot and shimmering.

Sear the scallops.

  • Add the scallops to the hot pan one at a time, leaving space between each scallop. Gently swirl each scallop in the oil as it is placed in the pan. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the scallop releases easily from the pan.

Finish cooking the scallops.

  • Turn the scallops and cook the second side for about 2 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to maintain a tender texture.

Plate and serve.

  • Spoon the mixed grain pilaf onto serving plates. Arrange the seared scallops over the pilaf and garnish with additional chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

To make this Mixed Grain Pilaf with Seared Scallops gluten free, replace the couscous and wheatberries with gluten-free grains such as quinoa, millet, buckwheat groats, or additional brown rice. Use a certified gluten-free black bean garlic sauce, as some brands may contain wheat or soy sauce with gluten. Check all packaged ingredients, including pine nuts and seasonings, for cross-contamination. The scallops, vegetables, herbs, and oils are naturally gluten free when prepared with gluten-free ingredients.