Seared Sea Scallops in Mandarin Sauce without orange

1 clove garlic , chopped 1 small hot chili pepper , chopped (2 1/2 inches long preferably red) 2 1/4 teaspoons sugar 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar 2[...]

2 teaspoons canola oil 1 onion , chopped 6 stalks lemongrass , dry leaves removed, stems pounded, cut into 3-inch lengths 4 garlic cloves , finely chopped 3[...]