Scallop carpaccio with citrus

Name: Scallop carpaccio with citrus
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Scallops (frozen and already cleaned) 12; Oranges 1; Pink grapefruits 1; Bergamots 1; Pink peppercorn to taste; Dill to taste; Chili oil to taste; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fine salt to taste

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Gluten Free
Lactose Free

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 30 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Average

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Cooker Girl

Scallop crudo is a real delight from Calabria, Southern Italy—where, honestly, fresh seafood and zesty citrus totally rule. This scallop crudo really really shines, with a bright citrus marinade that highlights the tender sweetness of the scallops. You know, unlike those heavy baked dishes, folks in Calabria love keeping things light. Pretty simple. And look, incredibly fresh. The marinade combines juicy orange, zesty pink grapefruit, and that special bergamot—it's a staple along the southern coast. Plus, add a dash of pink pepper and a sprinkle of dill, and the colors just pop. It is the kind of seafood appetizer that looks fancy but is all about letting those top-quality scallops do their thing. Nothing is cooked here—seriously good—the seafood stays moist and cool, letting every citrusy note shine through with each bite.

For gatherings or special dinners, a plate of citrus scallop crudo feels like a mini celebration. I mean, guests really love how the crisp and tangy citrus dressing cuts through the rich scallop, making each bite feel extra lively. Calabria is renowned for its bergamot, and the hint of floral, almost spicy citrus gives this raw scallop recipe a unique twist. Compared to a classic scallop carpaccio or even a scallop ceviche, this dish is softer, more delicate—with just enough kick from pink pepper and herbiness from dill. It’s quick to prepare. And listen, it looks stunning with bright colors—a touch of green from the dill and a swirl of golden citrus oil on top. This easy seafood recipe is a favorite for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve feasts in Southern Italy. Which is great. Everyone wants something light yet special to start the evening. A few bites of this dish and you'll see why Calabrian seafood traditions always emphasize great ingredients and simple flavors. Whether it’s the unique citrus notes or the elegant presentation, this dish is sure to impress and bring a taste of Calabria to your table.

How to prepare Scallop carpaccio with citrus

To prepare raw scallops with citrus, first grate the zest of the bergamot 1, orange 2, and pink grapefruit 3, and collect everything in a bowl.

Now peel the citrus fruits: with a knife, remove the peel and the white part 4, then extract the segments by inserting the blade between the membranes 5. Finally, squeeze the citrus remnants into the bowl with the zests 6. Set aside.

Lightly toast the pink peppercorns in a pan 7, then pour them into a mortar 8 and crush them coarsely 9.

Add some of the pink pepper to the bowl with the zest and juice of the citrus fruits (adjust the amount to your taste) 10, then salt 11 and dress with the oil 12.

Blend with an immersion blender 13 to achieve a thick and creamy consistency 14. At this point, take the previously frozen and cleaned scallops and slice them into half-inch thick slices 15.

You're ready to plate: arrange the scallop slices in a circular pattern on a serving plate, then add the citrus segments 16 and drizzle with the emulsion 17. Season with a pinch of pink pepper 18.

Garnish with some dill leaves 19 and finish with a drizzle of spicy oil 20. Your raw scallops with citrus are ready to be served 21!

Storage

Raw scallops with citrus should be consumed immediately after preparation.

Tip

You can use your preferred citrus fruits.

Use a sharp knife to peel the citrus fruits and slice the scallops.

For Safe Consumption of Raw, Marinated, or Semicooked Fish

Before consuming raw, marinated, or not fully cooked fish, it is recommended to freeze it for at least 96 hours at -0.4°F in a domestic freezer marked with 3 or more stars, as per Ministry of Health guidelines.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.