Description
A recipe for perfectly seared sea scallops finished in a rich, simple garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large sea scallops, patted very dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the dry scallops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams and subsides.
- Place the scallops in the hot skillet, ensuring they do not touch. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return the seared scallops to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce to coat. Cook for 30 seconds just to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Notes
- Drying the scallops thoroughly is key to achieving a good sear. Use paper towels to remove all surface moisture.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches if necessary.
- Serve these scallops over linguine, with steamed asparagus, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 150