Diabetic-Friendly Cuban Scallops

These scallops are packed with flavor and goodness, as well as a lot of Cuban flair.  Chef Ronaldo Linares stopped by Tonia's Kitchen to talk about his recipe for Cuban-inspired scallops inside his new cookbook Sabores de Cuba, which meet the stringent guidelines for those dealing with diabetes.  In fact, Chef Ronaldo told Tonia his Seared Scallops with Roasted Grape Tomatoes dish beautifully combines the tartness of the grape tomato with the savory goodness of the sea scallop, all while taking you to the Caribbean!

7	oz.	dry sea scallops (about 4–6)
2	tsp.	avocado oil, divided
1/2	cup	Spanish onions, cubed
2		cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2	tsp.	kosher salt
3/4	tsp.	cracked black pepper, divided
1/2	cup	unsalted chicken stock
10	oz.	grape tomatoes, halved
1	tsp.	lime juice
2	tsp.	cilantro, finely chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Remove the small, side muscle from the scallops, rinse with cold water, and pat dry. Place the scallops in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat an ovenproof, nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp of the oil and wait 10 seconds for the oil to heat up. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Make sure to stir constantly so the onions cook evenly. Add the garlic, salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper and stir for about 1 minute. Add the stock and the tomatoes, and place them the oven for 10 minutes.
4. When about 4 minutes are left on the sauce, remove the scallops from the refrigerator, and preheat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp of the avocado oil and wait a few seconds so the oil heats up. Sprinkle salt and 1/2 tsp of the pepper evenly on both sides of the scallops. Place the scallops flat-side down, pressing gently so the scallops rest flat on the pan, and cook for 45 seconds. Repeat the process for the other side and set the scallops aside.
5. Remove the sauce from the oven, stir in the lime juice and the cilantro, and serve by placing the sauce on the plate and then two scallops on top of the sauce.