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Sea scallops in a lemon cream sauce and balsamic vinegar drizzle with a sprig of fresh thyme

SEARED SEA SCALLOPS WITH LEMON CREAM SAUCE AND BALSAMIC DRIZZLE


Description

Sweet, delicate sea scallops on a velvety bed of lemon cream sauce with a drizle of balsamic glaze. Quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but elegant enough for a special dinner party.


Ingredients

Scale

For the scallops

  • 1 dozen large sea scallops
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

For the sauce

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard (I use Maille mustard. It’s only slightly more expensive and so good!)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon minced parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

For the glaze:

  • Store bought, bottled balsamic glaze
  • Fresh thyme as a garnish

Instructions

For the scallops:

  1. Pat the scallops with paper towels until very dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper and pat seasoning onto the flesh.
  2. Preheat a large skillet on stovetop over medium high heat. Add butter to the pan and allow to melt. Take care not to let the butter brown.
  3. Place the scallops, one at a time, into the pan. Do not overcrowd the scallops or you cannot get a good sear. It is better to sear the scallops in batches if necessary. Let scallops cook, undisturbed, until they become golden brown on one side. If the scallop doesn’t release easily from the pan, let it cook for a few seconds more until it does. Carefully flip and let the other side sear. Both sides of the scallop should be seared to a rich, golden brown and the sides should look opaque all the way through. They should feel firm to the touch, but still slightly soft, like grandma’s jello mold. Don’t overcook or the scallops will become tough and rubbery. Cook the remaining scallops, set aside.

For the Sauce:

  1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the cream and allow it to reduce by half.
  2. Meanwhile, in the same skillet that you cooked the scallops, add the wine, zest, honey, and mustard. Cook, stirring often, until bubbly. Slowly whisk in the thickened cream and parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings for salt and pepper.
  3. Plate them ever so elegantly. On your four serving plates, spoon three pools of the lemon sauce. Evenly divide and place the cooked scallops on top of each pool. Lightly and attractively drizzle the balsamic glaze, in a back and forth motion, over the scallops. Top with a few sprigs of fresh thyme.
  4. Stand back and admire your abundant talents.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Serves 4