Best 4 Simply Seared Scallops Recipes
Indulge in the culinary delight of perfectly seared scallops, a dish that captivates taste buds with its delicate texture and rich, briny flavor. This comprehensive guide presents a collection of recipes that cater to all skill levels, promising an unforgettable dining experience. From the classic Seared Scallops with Brown Butter and Lemon to the tantalizing Scallops with Bacon and Corn Salsa, each recipe offers a unique twist on this delectable seafood delicacy. Discover the art of searing scallops to achieve a golden-brown exterior while preserving their tender, juicy interiors. Explore variations that incorporate diverse ingredients and cooking techniques, such as Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Herb Butter, Air Fryer Scallops with Lemon and Herbs, and Seared Scallops with Creamy Pesto Sauce. This culinary journey promises to transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, leaving you craving more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SEARED SCALLOPS
For a seafood supper tonight, try Alton Brown's foolproof Seared Scallops recipe. The trick is to add a touch of butter to the pan for a golden sear.
Provided by Alton Brown
Categories main-dish
Time 8m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Remove the small side muscle from the scallops, rinse with cold water and thoroughly pat dry.
- Add the butter and oil to a 12 to 14-inch saute pan on high heat. Salt and pepper the scallops. Once the fat begins to smoke, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching each other. Sear the scallops for 1 1/2 minutes on each side. The scallops should have a 1/4-inch golden crust on each side while still being translucent in the center. Serve immediately.
SEARED SCALLOPS
The first thing to know before making this recipe--which is barely even a recipe, more of a technique for a simple and elegant dish--is to take down your smoke alarm. Okay, maybe don't do that, because it's unsafe. But definitely open the windows and turn on a fan, because you need to have a screaming-hot pan to achieve beautifully sweet sea scallops with a perfectly caramelized sear. A pro kitchen is equipped with 30,000 BTUs of gas and indestructible stainless-steel pans, and we're not afraid to use them. Gird your loins, turn up the heat, and you'll have a chance of capturing scallop magic at home.
Provided by Amanda Freitag
Categories main-dish
Yield makes 12 scallops (6 appetizer servings or 4 entree servings)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place a layer of paper towels on top of a large plate or baking sheet and gently lay the sea scallops on top to rid them of any excess moisture. With the scallops still on the paper towel, grab a large pinch of kosher salt and sprinkle it from a foot or more over the scallops. The height will help distribute the salt evenly.
- Use a pepper grinder to crack fresh black pepper in the same manner, getting every scallop.
- Flip the scallops and season the other side. This is important!
- Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed stainless-steel saute pan over high heat. Do not use nonstick-you'll never achieve the proper caramelization!
- Wait.
- Wait.
- Watch as the pan begins to smoke.
- Now, carefully, because the pan and oil are very hot, use tongs or your fingers to place each scallop individually in the pan, leaving room between them. Once the scallops are in the pan, do not move them or the pan or turn the heat down. You're going to want to, because the pan will be hot and splattering and smoking, but resist! You're getting your hard sear. Don't interfere or the scallops will stick.
- After 2 minutes, use a spatula or tongs to gently turn one of the scallops and assess how dark the sear is. If it's dark brown and caramelized, it's ready to be flipped and seared on the other side for at least 2 minutes more to achieve an identical sear.
- When the scallops have been flipped and seared on both sides, they're fully cooked and ready to eat. Remove them from the pan using tongs or a spatula. Add the butter to the pan and a squeeze of lemon juice and scrape up the bit on the pan to create a sauce. Serve the scallops hot and topped with the pan sauce and another squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.
PAN SEARED SCALLOPS RECIPE WITH GARLIC BUTTER
Learn how to sear scallops in just 10 minutes! This EASY pan fried sea scallops recipe has a perfect golden crust and savory garlic butter sauce.
Provided by Maya Krampf
Categories Main Course
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a small bowl, mash together the butter, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, and parsley. (The lemon juice may not fully incorporate, which is fine.) Set aside.
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a medium cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, until shimmering. Keep the garlic herb butter nearby.
- Add the scallops in a single layer, without touching. Sear, without moving, for 2-3 minutes, until a crust forms on the bottom.
- Flip the scallops and immediately add the garlic herb butter to the pan around the scallops in pieces. Sear the scallops for 2-3 more minutes, basting them with the butter occasionally, until a crust forms on the other side and scallops are cooked through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 166 kcal, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Protein 17.3 g, Fat 10.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, TransFat 0.2 g, Cholesterol 15.1 mg, Sodium 632.1 mg, Fiber 0.3 g, Sugar 0.3 g, ServingSize 1 serving
EASY GARLIC-LEMON SCALLOPS
Steps:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic, and cook for a few seconds until fragrant. Add scallops, and cook for several minutes on one side, then turn over, and continue cooking until firm and opaque.
- Remove scallops to a platter, then whisk salt, pepper, and lemon juice into butter. Pour sauce over scallops to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 408 calories, Carbohydrate 8.9 g, Cholesterol 152.4 mg, Fat 24.4 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 38.5 g, SaturatedFat 14.6 g, Sodium 987.9 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
Tips:
- Choose high-quality scallops. Look for scallops that are plump and firm, with a slightly briny smell. Avoid scallops that are slimy or have a strong fishy odor.
- Pat the scallops dry before cooking. This will help them sear better and prevent them from steaming.
- Season the scallops simply. A little salt and pepper is all you need to bring out their natural flavor.
- Sear the scallops in a hot skillet. This will create a nice crust and help them cook evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet. If you do, the scallops will steam instead of sear.
- Cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will become tough and rubbery.
- Serve the scallops immediately. They are best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Conclusion:
Seared scallops are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion. They are also relatively easy to make, so you can enjoy them at home any night of the week. With a little practice, you'll be able to cook scallops perfectly every time. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy seafood dinner, give seared scallops a try!
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