1 small fresh hot chile (2 1/2 inches long, preferably red), chopped, including seeds
2 1/4 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
16 medium sea scallops (1 pound), tough muscle removed from side of each if necessary
1 tablespoon olive oil
Special equipment: 4 (8-inch) bamboo skewers
Directions
Soak skewers in water 30 minutes.
Pound garlic, chile, and sugar to a fine paste with a mortar and pestle. Stir paste together with vinegar, fish sauce, water, and lime juice. (Alternatively, purée sauce ingredients together in a blender.)
Pat scallops dry. Thread 4 on each skewer (flat sides facing out; see photo), then brush both sides with oil (2 teaspoons total for 4 skewers). Season scallops with salt and pepper.
Brush a 12-inch nonstick skillet with remaining teaspoon oil and heat over high heat until hot but not smoking. Sear scallops, turning over once, until just cooked through, about 6 minutes total.
