fbpx

Kung Pao Scallops

Kung Pao Scallops

I wanted to share this yummy dinner I have made a few times. I don’t usually cook with scallops for some reason, even though they are super easy and fast to prepare.  And this recipe is no exception.

I love this meal because of all the unique and contrasting flavors that combine to make a powerful bite.

Kung Pao Scallops

The crunch of the snap peas, water chestnuts, and peanuts is also awesome and adds a tasty freshness to it.  So good!

Kung Pao Scallops
And, in case you’re wondering (like me!) what exactly makes something “Kung Pao,” it’s really just the combination of the meat, veggies, chili peppers and peanuts in the spicy stir fry. It’s very common in Chinese cooking.  (Thank you, Wikipedia.)  

And it’s delicious.

Kung Pao Scallops

It’s also a low-carb option for us now that we are really trying to eat as clean as possible, whatever that means.

Kung Pao Scallops
I have served these kung pao scallops with white rice and the whole thing takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.  

Winner.  Winner.

Kung Pao Scallops

If you don’t like scallops, you could replace them with shrimp, chicken, beef, tofu or just go veggies only.  I buy either bay or large sea scallops from the fish counter and freeze them right away if I’m not going to use them that night. I HATE the smell of fishy fish (or scallops!) so I do what I can to eliminate it.   A good tip on this is to pay attention to how the grocery store fish counter smells when you’re there — if it smells fishy, don’t buy from there.  Fresh fish should smell like the ocean, not “fishy.”

Kung Pao ScallopsKung Pao Scallops
Aaaanyways, if you’re looking for a yummy, fast and different kinda meal to add to your weeknight menu, I think you’ll enjoy this one.  We sure do!

ASPC on Instagram

If you give this recipe a try, let me know what you think by leaving a comment and rating it. And don’t forget to take a picture and tag it #asweetpeachef on Instagram! I LOVE seeing what you come up with. Enjoy!

5 from 1 vote
Kung Pao Scallops Square Recipe Preview Image
Kung Pao Scallops
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
17 mins
 
Super easy, fast and delicious kung pao scallops.
Categories: Easy Dinner
Difficulty: Easy
Keyword: kung pao scallops
Servings: 4
Calories: 466 kcal
Author: A Sweet Pea Chef
Ingredients
FOR THE SAUCE:
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
FOR THE SCALLOPS/STIR FRY:
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
  • 1 tsp chili paste
  • 1 lb bay scallops cut in half
  • 1 8-oz. can sliced water chestnuts rinsed and drained
  • 1 lb fresh sugar snap peas
  • 4 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 cup raw peanuts
  • optional: 3 cups steamed white rice
Instructions
  1. To make the sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well. Set aside.
  2. For the stir-fry, heat the sesame and olive oils in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the garlic, ginger and chili paste and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  4. Add the scallops and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  5. Add the water chestnuts and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  6. Add the sauce mixture, snap peas and green onions. Bring to a boil and cook 4-6 minutes, or until thickened.
  7. Stir in the peanuts.
  8. Serve with rice.
Nutrition Facts
Kung Pao Scallops
Amount Per Serving (1.5 cups)
Calories 466 Calories from Fat 113
% Daily Value*
Fat 12.5g19%
Saturated Fat 3.3g17%
Cholesterol 28.6mg10%
Sodium 1103.1mg46%
Carbohydrates 36.9g12%
Fiber 8.5g34%
Sugar 12.5g14%
Protein 30g60%
Vitamin A 400IU8%
Vitamin C 100.7mg122%
Calcium 110mg11%
Iron 5.8mg32%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

Lacey Baier

Hey there! I’m Lacey Baier and I’d like to welcome you! I’m a healthy lifestyle influencer and the creator of this clean-eating blog and YouTube channel, as well as cleanish, my clean-eating supplement brand. My recipes have been published on Food Network, Good Morning America, FoxNews, Tastemade, Fitness Magazine, and much more. I live in Austin, Texas with my husband and four kiddos. Let’s get started!

One thought on “Kung Pao Scallops

Comments are closed.

Recent Posts