Pan-Seared Scallops with Chorizo and Corn

Ingredients

• 3 ears of corn, husked
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 oz. smoked Spanish chorizo, finely chopped
• 12 scallions, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2–1 serrano chile (depending on heat), finely chopped
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 12 large sea scallops (about 1 lb.), side muscle removed, patted dry
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 lime, halved
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. Cut kernels from corncobs and place in a medium bowl. Using the back of a chef’s knife, scrape milk from cobs into the bowl; discard cobs.
2. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a medium saucepan over medium. Cook chorizo, stirring occasionally, until it starts to get crisp, about 2 minutes. Carefully pour chorizo oil into a small bowl (use a slotted spoon to hold back chorizo); set chorizo oil aside. Return chorizo pan to medium heat and add scallions, garlic, chile, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, and 3/4 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened but not browned, about 2 minutes. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until bright yellow and softened, 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let corn mixture cool in pan 5 minutes. Gently mix in buttermilk and cilantro. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
3. Season scallops generously with salt. Heat reserved chorizo oil and remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until just beginning to smoke. Cook scallops on one side, reducing heat if they are taking on too much color and moving around in pan for even browning, until a golden brown crust forms on the bottom, about 3 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and turn scallops over. Add butter to skillet and, using a spoon, baste scallops with butter 30 seconds. Transfer scallops to a plate. Squeeze halved lime over.
5. Divide corn mixture among plates and arrange scallops on top. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.