Caramelized Scallops

Serve seared scallops with a flavorful caramel sauce for a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for a date night. Serve with broad rice noodles and sugar peas.
Combine 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon water, fish sauce, and the following 4 ingredients (with a dash of red pepper) in a small bowl.Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar and the remaining 2 teaspoons of water in a small heavy saucepan over medium-high heat; cook until the sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking for 2 minutes or until golden brown (do not stir). Remove from the heat; gently add the fish sauce mixture, stirring constantly. Keep warm.Preheat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the mold with cooking spray. Sprinkle the scallops with black pepper; place the scallops in the pan. Cook for 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until desired browning. Add the sauce; mix well. Sprinkle with mint. Serve with lime.Wide Rice Noodles with Sugar Peas: Steam 6 ounces of sugar peas for 2 minutes or until crisp; place in a bowl. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil to the peas; mix well. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds.