Seared Scallops with Herb Butter Sauce

Introduction

Scallops are a seafood favorite due to their sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture.

When seared correctly, they develop a beautiful crust that enhances their natural sweetness, making them a great candidate for pairing with a vibrant, buttery sauce featuring fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Fresh sea scallops

Unsalted butter

Olive oil

Fresh herbs like tarragon, chives, and optional additions like rosemary or thyme

Garlic

Dry white wine

Lemon zest and wedges for garnish

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Scallops: Clean the scallops and remove the muscle if present. Pat them dry to ensure a good sear.

Searing: Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Heat a mix of butter and oil in a skillet until hot, then sear the scallops without moving them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and just cooked through.

Make the Sauce: In the same pan, lower the heat and add more butter, finely chopped shallots, and garlic. Sauté briefly before adding white wine and letting it reduce. Mix in finely chopped herbs and lemon zest.

Finish and Serve: Return the scallops to the pan briefly to coat them in the sauce, then serve immediately garnished with lemon wedges and additional herbs.

Conclusion

This recipe for seared scallops with herb butter sauce delivers a gourmet experience with minimal fuss.

The key to perfect scallops is ensuring they are dry and not overcrowded in the pan, allowing them to develop a deliciously crisp exterior while remaining tender on the inside.

For more detailed instructions and additional tips on perfecting your scallops, you can explore these recipes further at 12 Tomatoes​(

), The Recipe Critic​(

), and Scarlati Family Kitchen​(

). Each source provides slight variations and additional insights to help you master this exquisite dish.