18 large sea scallops
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt -- to taste
Freshly-ground black pepper -- to taste
1 pinch paprika
Sesame Noodles -- (see recipe),
prepared in advance
=== GARNISHES ===
2 carrots -- peeled, and
cut 3"-long matchstick pieces
4 scallions, about 3" of green left on -- cut 3"-long
matchstick pieces
1/2 hothouse (seedless) cucumber -- halved lengthwise,
seeded, cut 3"-long matchstick pieces
6 fresh cilantro sprigs
3 limes -- halved

Place the scallops in a bowl. Combine the lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika. Toss over the scallops and let rest for 15 minutes.

Thread the scallops onto 2 or 3 thin metal skewers, leaving about 1/2 inch between each. Grill the scallops on an oiled rack over hot coals, 3 to 4 inches from the heat source, about 3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.

Place a small mound of Sesame Noodles in the center of each of 6 plates. Top each with equal amounts of carrots, scallions and cucumber. Surround each with 3 scallops and garnish with a cilantro sprig and a lime half.

This recipe yields 6 servings.