Jerk Scallops with Pineapple Salsa over Coconut Rice

Celebrate Valentine’s Day (or the weekend) with a sweet and spicy dinner for two. Sweet pineapple salsa compliments jerk scallops full of flavor in a dinner that comes together quickly.

Jerk Scallops and Pineapple Salsa over Coconut Rice - a sweet and spicy dinner for two. Sweet pineapple salsa compliments a jerk scallop full of flavor in a dinner that comes together quickly.

Like so many other couples, my husband and I rarely eat out on Valentine’s Day. And since having kids? We rarely get to go out around Valentine’s Day. Instead, we try to celebrate with a special dinner at home. Sometimes it’s something that’s a little more expensive, something it’s something that’s more time consuming to make than usual, or something it’s just something that I know my husband will love.

This dinner meets two of those criteria. Scallops are something that my husband enjoys immensely but that I don’t make super frequently. They’re a bit pricey and since having kids, I haven’t quite been as excited about seafood as I used to be. Plus, it is one of those proteins that I’m always (inexplicably) nervous about undercooking. #Paranoia

So for this Valentine’s Day, I paired some of my husband’s favorites for a quick but killer meal. Spicy jerk scallops are topped with a sweet pineapple salsa and a rice, flavored ever so slightly of coconut. He was in heaven.

Sweet pineapple salsa compliments spicy jerk scallops in a dinner for 2 that comes together in 30 minutes.

Recipe Notes:

  • I used homemade jerk seasoning in this recipe, but you can also use store-bought.
  • My husband has a big appetite, so this recipe serves two in our house. Depending on your appetites, you may want to adjust the amount of scallops.
  • This pineapple salsa is mild, with no jalapeno. It was a perfectly sweet pairing for us, since the scallops have a good bit of kick, but feel free to add a jalapeno (minced, seeds included or removed per your preferences) if you’d like this dish even spicier.
  • Although the recipes is for searing on the stove top, the scallops can be grilled as well.

More Recipes for Two

Savory

Sweet

Print
Overhead view of a plate of Jerk Scallops and Pineapple Salsa

Jerk Scallops with Pineapple Salsa over Coconut Rice 

Celebrate Valentine's Day (or the weekend) with a sweet and spicy dinner for two. Sweet pineapple salsa compliments jerk scallops full of flavor in a dinner that comes together quickly.

Course Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine Caribbean
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 636 kcal
Author Liz

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Pineapple Salsa:

  • 1 c. diced pineapple
  • 3 Tbs. minced red onion
  • 2 Tbs. finely chopped cilantro
  • 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice

Ingredients for the Coconut Rice:

  • 1 c. jasmine rice
  • 3/4 c. coconut milk
  • 3/4 c. water

Ingredients for the Scallops:

  • 3 Tbs. jerk seasoning
  • 3/4 lb. sea scallops (about 8 large scallops)
  • 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Make the Salsa:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.

Make the Rice & Scallops:

  1. Bring coconut milk  and water to a boil. Add rice and reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes, or until rice is cooked through. Turn off stove and allow to stand for a few minutes.

  2. While the rice is cooking, heat a heavy, cast-iron skillet over medium heat. When hot, add oil.

  3. Rinse scallops and pat dry. Place jerk seasoning on a plate. Coat scallops with seasoning on top, bottom and sides. Place in hot skillet. Sear for 2 minutes per side. If needed, lower heat and continue to cook until scallops are cooked throughout.

  4. Serve scallops hot, over rice. Top with pineapple salsa.

A Books n’ Cooks Original Recipe

Looking for more recipes designed to serve two? Check out the links from my friends below, or search #RecipesForTwo on social media for a visual tour of some amazing dishes.

31 thoughts on “Jerk Scallops with Pineapple Salsa over Coconut Rice”

    1. It’s just so much easier and cheaper to make my own seasoning than to buy it just for one or two recipes. It was made with herbs and spices already in my pantry.

  1. I’m a sucker for scallops! Especially when they’re kicked up with jerk seasoning. So delicious especially served with pineapple salsa. Yum!

  2. Scallops are one of my favorite special occasion ingredients. They’re not that expensive so I really need to make them more often… starting with this recipe!

  3. Scallops are one of my favorite special occasion ingredients. They’re not that expensive so I really need to make them more often… starting with this recipe!

  4. 5 stars
    I made these a couple of years ago and have made them multiple times since then! Absolutely delicious every time, especially with your homemade jerk seasoning!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating