Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsElote CafeCorn Crusted Scallops Recipe

Corn Crusted Scallops Recipe

Inspired by Elote Cafe
Time50m
Serves4

Crispy fried Sea Scallops served with tomato jam and truffle crema

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Seafood

Coating and Frying

Truffle Crema

Garnish

Method

Tomato Jam

  1. 1

    Sauté aromatics

    In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced red onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

  2. 2

    Cook jam

    Add chopped tomatoes, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.

Truffle Crema

  1. 3

    Make crema

    In a small bowl, whisk together Crème fraîche and truffle oil. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Scallops Prep

  1. 4

    Dry scallops

    Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture for maximum crust formation.

Coating and Frying

  1. 5

    Egg wash

    In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs with the buttermilk and a pinch of salt to create a smooth egg wash.

  2. 6

    Coating mix

    In another shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

  3. 7

    Dredge scallops

    Dip each scallop into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press into the coating mixture to thoroughly coat.

Frying

  1. 8

    Heat oil

    Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F (175°C).

  2. 9

    Fry

    Fry the crusted scallops in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and just opaque in the center. Do not overcrowd the pan.

  3. 10

    Drain

    Transfer fried scallops to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

To Serve

  1. 11

    Plate jam

    Spoon a small bed of tomato jam onto each plate.

  2. 12

    Arrange scallops

    Top the jam with 3-4 corn crusted scallops per plate.

  3. 13

    Add crema

    Drizzle the truffle crema around the plate and lightly over the scallops.

  4. 14

    Garnish and serve

    Sprinkle with minced chives and serve immediately.

More from Elote Cafe