Seared Scallops with Pineapple-Cucumber Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 cup peeled and diced cucumber
• 1 cup diced canned pineapple
• drained
• 3 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• 1 lime
• juiced
• 2 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• plus more for seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
• 2 pounds sea scallops
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the cucumber, pineapple, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, lime zest, jalapeno, salt, and hot sauce.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
3. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry.
4. Season them with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Sear the scallops, without moving them in the pan until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
7. Arrange on serving plates and serve with a generous topping of salsa.