Stir-Fried Bay Scallops with Ginger, Red Onion, and Toasted Walnuts

Walnuts complement the nutty flavor of the scallops in this deeply flavored stir-fry. Rice is a natural accompaniment.

• 
  
  1/3 cup walnut pieces
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. vegetable oil
  
  


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  1/2 large red onion, sliced 1/2-inch-thick
  
  


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  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


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  1 Tbs. soy sauce
  
  


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  2 tsp. hoisin sauce
  
  


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  1/2 tsp. Asian sesame oil
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 lb. dry-packed bay scallops, side muscle removed, if desired
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh ginger
  
  


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  2 Tbs. chopped or sliced fresh cilantro
  
  

Toast the walnut pieces in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Heat the vegetable oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and 1 Tbs. water.

Add the  scallops and ginger to the skillet and cook, stirring, until the scallops are just opaque, about 1 minute. Add the soy sauce mixture and stir to coat.

Stir in the walnuts, sprinkle with the cilantro, and serve.