Tender and sweet scallops go well with a smooth, sweet, tangy, and earthy tomato sauce with truffle and butter. A savory custard and quickly blanched greens tie the whole dish together. The tomato sauce can be partially prepared a day or two ahead. This is inspired by a dish from Passionfish in Pacific Grove.

1 1/2poundsripe tomatoes such as Romapeeled, seeded and chopped (you can leave the skins on and seeds in if you have a very strong blender, or you can strain the resulting sauce for a smooth texture)
1/8cuptomato paste3 ounces
1bay leaf
1sprig fresh thyme
1teaspoonfish sauceoptional but adds umami and you won't taste it
1tablespooncoconut aminosoptional, adds umami and a bit of sweetness
salt and pepperto taste
1/4cupbutteror butter flavored coconut oil for dairy-free
1/4cupheavy creamor cashew cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
1/2teaspoonblack truffle seasoningoptional
Savory Mushroom Custard
1tablespoonbutteror butter flavored coconut oil for dairy-free
1/4poundwhite button mushroomssliced
1/2teaspoonsalt
1garlic cloveminced
1/8teaspoonthymedried
1bay leaf
1/3cupheavy creamor cashew cream for dairy-free
1/3cuphalf and halfor more cream, or cashew milk or almond milk for dairy-free
1egg
1egg yolk
1ouncegruyere cheesegrated, omit for dairy-free
pinchcayenne pepper
Vegetables
8baby bok choy
1tablespoonbutter
1tablespoonchicken stock
saltto taste
Scallops
2tablespoonsavocado oil
1poundscallops16 large scallops (u-10 Diver or Dry Pack scallops)
salt and pepperto taste
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Instructions
For the Tomato Truffle Butter
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil. Add the shallots and garlic and cook on medium-high heat until soft and translucent but do not brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, fish sauce, and coconut aminos. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sauce is thick and reduced. You can transfer this to a container and refrigerate for a day or 2, if you prefer to make the sauce partly in advance.
If you made part of the sauce ahead of time, reheat it until boiling. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig. Transfer to a blender or food processor, add the truffle seasoning, and blend until completely smooth, adding the butter and cream gradually while blending. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
For the Custards
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Set a large kettle of water to boil and place 4 silicon cupcake molds into a glass baking dish. Set aside.
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the butter. Add the shallots and garlic and cook on medium-high heat until soft and translucent but do not brown, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, bay leaf, and thyme. Add the salt and cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and little to no liquid remains, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Combine the egg, yolk, cream, and half and half in a blender and blend briefly until smooth. Stir in the cheese and mushroom mixture. Portion the mixture into the prepared silicon molds. Transfer the pan with the full molds onto a rack in the oven. Pour boiling water into the pan until it comes 2/3 the way up the sides of the molds. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until just set. Remove Fromm the water bath and set aside to cool.
For the Vegetables
Heat a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with salt. Add the Bok Choy and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender. Transfer to an ice water bath to cool (optional but helps maintain texture and color). Trim and discard the ends.
Just before serving, melt a tablespoon of butter and combine it with a tablespoon of chicken stock. Toss the bbok choy in the mixture and season to taste with salt.
For the Scallops
Dry the scallops well (this is crucial for getting a good sear). Salt them just before adding to the pan and sear scallops in a cast iron pan over high heat. The pan should be almost smoking before you add the oil. Then cook on each side for about 1 minute, until golden.
To Serve
Spoon about 1/4 cup of tomato sauce onto each plate, top with scallops. Serve with the vegetables and custard (turned out of the mold) along side.