Sauteed Sea Scallops with Shallots 🍽️
Overview:
This delightful recipe for Sauteed Sea Scallops with Shallots is a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will surely tantalize your taste buds. With a cooking time of just 20 minutes and simple preparation steps, it’s an ideal choice for a quick and delicious meal that will impress your family or guests.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 500.9 per serving
Ingredients:
- 4 sea scallops
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 4 shallots
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
- Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the Scallops:
- Begin by heating the unsalted butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot.
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Season and Sauté the Scallops:
- While the skillet is heating, season the flour with salt and pepper, then toss the sliced scallops in the seasoned flour until they are evenly coated.
- Carefully drop the scallops into the hot oil and sauté them quickly, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown, which should take about 4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as scallops can become tough if cooked for too long.
- Once the scallops are cooked, remove them from the skillet to a serving platter using a slotted spoon, allowing any excess oil to drain off.
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Prepare the Shallots:
- In the same skillet used for the scallops, add the sliced shallots and sauté them over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent. It’s important not to let the shallots brown, as this can impart a bitter flavor to the dish.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Once the shallots are cooked, remove them from the skillet and sprinkle them evenly over the cooked scallops on the serving platter. Keep the scallops and shallots warm while you prepare the sauce.
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Make the White Wine Sauce:
- Pour off any excess oil from the skillet, leaving just a thin coating on the bottom.
- Add the dry white wine to the skillet and stir it over high heat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook the wine until it is reduced by half, which should take just a few minutes.
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Final Touches and Serving:
- Once the wine has reduced, pour the sauce over the scallops and shallots on the serving platter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the Sauteed Sea Scallops with Shallots immediately while still hot, accompanied by lemon wedges if desired, for a bright and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 500.9 per serving
- Fat Content: 31.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 9.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 86.8mg
- Sodium Content: 572.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 20g
- Fiber Content: 0.5g
- Sugar Content: 0.3g
- Protein Content: 30.9g
Tips and Variations:
- For a gluten-free option, you can substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the regular flour used to coat the scallops.
- Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize the flavor profile of the dish. Fresh thyme, chives, or tarragon would all complement the scallops and shallots beautifully.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to the white wine reduction before pouring it over the scallops.
- Serve the Sauteed Sea Scallops with Shallots over a bed of cooked pasta or rice for a more substantial meal, or alongside steamed vegetables for a lighter option.
- To make this dish even more indulgent, you can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the scallops and shallots just before serving.
Conclusion:
This Sauteed Sea Scallops with Shallots recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking, allowing the natural flavors of the scallops and shallots to shine through with just a few carefully chosen ingredients and minimal preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious seafood dish for dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the delicate sweetness of the sea scallops, the subtle aroma of the shallots, and the vibrant burst of freshness from the parsley in every irresistible bite.
