Perfect Pan Seared Sea Scallops Recipe + Lemon Chive Butter

Introduction

Today, we're tackling the often intimidating task of cooking scallops. I understand the challenges, but with the right procedures, you're guaranteed to achieve beautifully seared, perfect scallops every time. To complement the scallops, we'll be preparing a delicious herb butter, enhancing the dish with wonderful flavors. This recipe is not only quick, making homemade pizzas in about 15 minutes using pita bread as the base, but it also uses simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering meal. Let's dive into this culinary adventure.

Ingredients for Herb Butter

• Small shallot
• Garlic cloves
• Chives
• Fresh thyme
• Italian flat-leaf parsley
• Lemon (for zest and juice)
• Unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Ingredients for Scallops

• U/12 scallops (12 scallops make up a pound)
• Safflower oil (or any high smoke point oil)
• Unsalted butter
• White wine (Chardonnay recommended)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Preparation Steps

1. Herb Butter Prep:

   • Finely dice the shallot and garlic. Mince the chives, thyme, and parsley. Combine these in a bowl.
   • Zest and juice the lemon, adding both to the herb mixture.
   • In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Mix in the lemon juice and then the herb mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Cooking Scallops:

   • If the scallops have the side muscle (foot) attached, remove it for a better texture.
   • Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
   • Heat a large stainless steel skillet with oil until smoking hot, then reduce the heat to medium-high.
   • Add scallops, spacing them out, and add bits of unsalted butter around them for flavor and browning.
   • Sear for about 90 seconds on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 30 to 45 seconds.
   • Remove scallops from the pan, draining off excess fat but keeping the fond (brown bits) in the pan.
   • Deglaze the pan with white wine, reducing it down before whisking in the prepared herb butter until melted and emulsified into a sauce.

3. Final Touches:

   • Serve the scallops with the herb butter sauce poured over them.
   • Garnish with additional lemon zest and chopped herbs for added freshness and color.

Conclusion

Cooking scallops at home doesn't have to be a daunting task. With this straightforward method, you'll impress yourself and your guests with a gourmet meal that's bursting with flavor. The combination of seared scallops and vibrant herb butter offers a delightful experience that's sure to satisfy any seafood lover. Enjoy the process, savor the aromas, and indulge in the exquisite taste of perfectly cooked scallops.