Popcorn Scallops recipe served on a plate, by Pekin the Chef
Jul 09 2026
Restaurants›Leña Restaurante›Popcorn Scallops Recipe

Popcorn Scallops Recipe

Inspired by Leña Restaurante
Time45m
Serves4

Thick morsels of scallop tossed with lime, salt, and olive oil, paired with charred corn, jalapeños, cilantro, and raw onion, finished with stovetop popcorn for crunch.

Jump to Recipe

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.

Scallops

Corn Salad

Popcorn

Method

Preparing Scallops

  1. 1

    Marinate the Scallops

    In a bowl, combine scallops, olive oil, lime juice, and salt. Toss to coat and let marinate for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Sear the Scallops

    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated scallops and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Making Corn Salad

  1. 3

    Prepare Corn Salad

    In a bowl, combine fresh corn kernels, diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and diced raw onion. Toss to mix evenly.

Making Popcorn

  1. 4

    Pop the Corn

    In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels, cover, and shake the pot until popping slows down. Once done, remove from heat and season with salt.

Serving

  1. 5

    Combine and Serve

    On a serving plate, layer the corn salad, top with seared scallops, and finish with a generous handful of popcorn for crunch.

More from Leña Restaurante