Aug 28 2026
RestaurantsCatchTorched Hokkaido Scallop Recipe

Torched Hokkaido Scallop Recipe

Inspired by Catch
Time20m
Serves4

Citrus, Maldon Salt

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Ingredients

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Scallops

Method

Scallops

  1. 1

    Prepare scallops

    Pat scallops very dry with paper towels. Remove any side muscle if still attached. Chill scallops on a tray for 10 minutes if they became warm while handling.

  2. 2

    Season both sides lightly with kosher salt (about 1/8 tsp per scallop) and a light dusting of white pepper. Brush both sides with the neutral oil—this helps with browning when torched.

Citrus-Miso Glaze

  1. 3

    Make glaze

    In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso, yuzu (or lemon+orange) juice, honey, rice vinegar and warm water until smooth and slightly runny. Adjust balance: should be bright, slightly sweet-salty and brushable. Set aside.

Torching & Finish

  1. 4

    Torch scallops

    Arrange scallops on a heatproof pan or tray leaving space between them. Spoon or brush a thin layer of the citrus-miso glaze on the top (one side) of each scallop. Using a kitchen blowtorch set to medium flame, hold the torch 2–3 inches away and move steadily to caramelize the glaze and brown the scallop surface. Torch until glaze bubbles and develops a deep golden to lightly charred color, about 30–60 seconds per scallop depending on torch strength. Rotate to ensure even coloration but do not overcook — interior should remain translucent to just opaque (total internal cook of about 1–2 minutes after torching).

  2. 5

    Flip scallops if you prefer a quick sear on the bottom: brush a very small amount of glaze/oil on the bottom, then torch briefly (10–20 seconds) to warm through. If you want a slightly crisper exterior, gently torch the sides as well, watching carefully to avoid toughening.

  3. 6

    Finish with butter and plating

    Immediately after torching, place a small cube of cold butter on top of each scallop so it melts into the warm glaze. Transfer scallops to individual plates or a shared platter. Arrange thin citrus slices or segments beside or atop each scallop and add a few microgreens if using. Finish with a light pinch of Maldon sea salt flakes to taste.

Serving

  1. 7

    Serve immediately while warm. Recommend serving as an amuse-bouche or starter (2–3 scallops per person) accompanied by a crisp chilled sake or dry sparkling wine.

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