Best 9 Seared Scallops With Pan Sauce Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Cooking seared scallops with pan sauce can be a delightful culinary experience, whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen. These tender and succulent morsels of the sea, when seared to perfection and complemented by a flavorful pan sauce, create a dish that is both elegant and comforting. With the right technique and a few simple ingredients, you can easily prepare this restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. This article will guide you through the essential steps to craft perfectly seared scallops, along with a delectable pan sauce that will elevate your dish to new heights.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

QUICK PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS



Quick Pan-Seared Scallops image

Delicious way to prepare scallops.

Provided by RACH7H

Categories     Seafood     Shellfish     Scallops

Time 21m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small shallot, minced
1 lemon, juiced
12 sea scallops
1 pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, or to taste

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot; cook and stir until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in lemon juice and cook until evaporated, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits, about 3 minutes.
  • Place scallops 1/2 inch apart in the skillet. Cook until browned on the bottom, about 1 minute. Flip and continue cooking until the second side is deeply browned, about 1 minute more.
  • Transfer scallops to a serving plate; season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 176.2 calories, Carbohydrate 5.5 g, Cholesterol 51.3 mg, Fat 7.6 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 21.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 285.1 mg, Sugar 0.4 g

PAN SEARED SCALLOPS WITH LEMON CAPER SAUCE



Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Caper Sauce image

Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Caper Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for special occasions or any day of the week. The caramelized scallops and sauce is made all in one pan.

Provided by Jessica Gavin

Categories     Appetizer     Dinner     Main Course     Side Dish

Time 28m

Number Of Ingredients 17

⅓ cup kosher salt (plus more for seasoning)
1 cup hot water
4 cups ice water
1 pound large scallops (1 ½ inches wide, about 14 to 16)
3 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup white wine (optional)
1 cup unsalted chicken broth
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon capers (rinsed)
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
Black pepper (for seasoning)
1 tablespoon chopped dill
1 teaspoon chopped chives
6 lemon wedges

Steps:

  • In a medium-sized bowl combine salt and hot water, stirring to dissolve the salt. Add ice water to cool the brine. Add scallops to the brine and let stand for 10 minutes. Line a sheet pan with paper towels, set aside.
  • Drain the scallops, rinse under cold water, and then arrange in a single layer on the paper towel-lined sheet pan. Place another paper towel on top of the scallops and gently pat scallops. Remove as much surface moisture as possible for the best browning results when cooked.
  • Allow scallops to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature before cooking.
  • In a 12-inch saute pan or cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until oil ripples and just begins to smoke.
  • Sprinkle scallops lightly with salt on both sides.
  • Place scallops into the hot pan without crowding. Gently press scallops with a spatula to make direct contact with the pan.
  • Sear scallops without moving them, continuing to cook until bottoms are a rich golden brown, 3 to 3 ½ minutes.
  • Add butter to the pan. Turn the scallops over and cook the second side. Use a spoon to baste the scallops with the butter, tilting the pan to collect the butter as needed.
  • When the scallops are opaque in color and firm to the touch, about 1 to 2 minutes, turn off heat and transfer to a plate, do not discard pan.
  • In the same pan used for cooking the scallops turn heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
  • Increase heat to medium-high and add wine. Simmer wine, stirring as needed until the wine is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
  • Turn heat to high and add the chicken stock, lemon zest, lemon juice and capers to the pan. Cook until sauce is reduced by half, about ½ cup, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Turn off heat and whisk in Dijon mustard.
  • Turn heat to medium and add scallops back to pan, cook until warm, 2 minutes.
  • Taste sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Garnish scallops with chopped dill, chives and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 242 kcal, Carbohydrate 9 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 14 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Sodium 10263 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH PAN SAUCE



Seared Scallops With Pan Sauce image

Seven ingredients and one skillet lead the way to home cooking that's as good as anything you'll eat in restaurants.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     Seafood     Shellfish     Scallop     Butter     Quick & Easy     Dinner     Chive     White Wine

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 pounds sea scallops
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup dry white wine or water, or more as needed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Steps:

  • Cut 2 tablespoons of the butter into pea-sized pieces, put it on a small plate, and stick it in the freezer. Heat a large skillet over medium-heat high for 3 or 4 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and the olive oil and wait for the butter to melt.
  • Pat the scallops dry with paper towels, add them to the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper; work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the skillet. Cook, turning once, until they are well browned on both sides but not quite cooked through, 2 minutes per side (less if the scallops are under 1 inch across; more if they're over). Transfer the scallops to a plate.
  • Stir in the garlic, lemon juice, and wine and scrape all the brown bits off the bottom of the skillet with a spatula. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the liquid in the skillet thickens, a minute or two, then whisk in the butter you chilled in the freezer, one bit at a time, to make a creamy sauce, adding another tablespoon or two of liquid if necessary.
  • Return the scallops to the skillet and add the chives. Adjust the heat so the sauce bubbles gently and toss to coat the scallops with the sauce. To serve, transfer the scallops to a platter and spoon the sauce over all.
  • Variation:
  • Seared Scallops With Cherry Tomatoes and Basil: Skip the lemon juice. Cut 1 pint cherry tomatoes in half. Add the tomatoes with the garlic and wine and cook until they wrinkle a bit and release their juice, 2 or 3 minutes. Use chopped fresh basil leaves instead of chives.
  • Cooks' Notes
  • Releasing From The Pan: The scallops will offer no resistance when they're ready to turn. Press down gently while the scallops cook to encourage full contact with the pan, then listen for a hiss: That's moisture heating and evaporating.
  • Getting A Good Sear: The idea is to brown the scallops well on both sides without overcooking them, so keep the heat as high as you can without creating too much smoke.
  • Building Sauce With Butter: After you add the liquid and deglaze the pan, the addition of butter develops fantastic creaminess and richness.
  • Finishing The Dish: As soon as the scallops are cooked through completely and coated with the sauce, remove the pan from the heat; they will continue to cook. Nick-and-peek into one if you need to check for doneness.

PAN SEARED SCALLOPS WITH SESAME SAUCE AND CELLOPHANE NOODLES



Pan Seared Scallops with Sesame Sauce and Cellophane Noodles image

Provided by Robin Miller : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 ounces cellophane noodles
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds large sea scallops, about 12
Ground black pepper
1/4 cup scallions, chopped

Steps:

  • Soak cellophane noodles in hot water for 10 minutes, until tender. Strain and set aside.
  • While the noodles are soaking, in a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops and season the tops with black pepper. Cook 2 minutes, until golden brown. Flip with spatula and cook 2 more minutes, until second side is golden brown. Add soy sauce mixture to pan and bring to a simmer, for 2 minutes, until sauce thickens and scallops are cooked through and have an opaque color.
  • Serve half of the scallops over all of the cellophane noodles and top with scallions. Reserve remaining scallops for salad, if desired.

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH BROWN BUTTER AND LEMON PAN SAUCE



Seared Scallops With Brown Butter and Lemon Pan Sauce image

Juice lemons. Spoon out capers. Heat pan. Cook scallops. Make sauce in same pan. Serve.

Provided by Carla Lalli Music

Categories     Bon Appétit     Dinner     Quick & Easy     Seafood     Shellfish     Scallop     Chive     Capers     Lemon

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 lemons
Small handful of chives
12 large dry sea scallops
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 teaspoons drained capers

Steps:

  • Cut 2 lemons in half and squeeze juice into a measuring glass or small bowl; you should have 1/4 cup juice. Set aside. Using a paring knife, cut ends off remaining lemon to expose flesh. Upend lemon on a cut end and remove peel and white pith from lemons; discard. Cut between membranes to release segments into bowl with juice; squeeze membranes to get any last drops of juice. Fish out any seeds; set aside. Thinly slice chives and place in a small bowl; set aside.
  • Pull side muscle off scallops, if needed; pat dry. Season lightly on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet, preferably stainless steel, over medium-high. Pour in oil to lightly coat surface (2-3 Tbsp.); heat until it shimmers and you see first wisps of smoke. Swiftly place scallops into skillet, flat side down, and cook without touching, tossing, or fussing until underside is deep golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Use a thin spatula or tongs to gently turn over; if they resist, cook another 30 seconds and try again. Cook on second side until flesh at top and bottom looks opaque but there is still a faintly translucent strip in the middle, 1-2 minutes, depending on size. Transfer scallops to a plate.
  • Pour off any oil in skillet and set over medium heat. Add butter and cook, swirling, until butter foams, then browns, about 2 minutes. Add reserved lemon juice and segments; energetically stir and swirl pan to emulsify sauce. Mix in capers and reserved chives and spoon pan sauce around and over scallops.

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH HERB BUTTER SAUCE



Seared Scallops With Herb Butter Sauce image

Make and share this Seared Scallops With Herb Butter Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Provided by KathyP53

Categories     European

Time 20m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb dry large scallop (rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
2 tablespoons finely diced shallots (1 medium shallot)
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/8 cup finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1/8 cup finely chopped fresh chives
1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 lemon wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat 12" nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat until quite hot.
  • Pat scallops dry one more time and put them in the pan in a single, uncrowded layer.
  • Season with salt and pepper and let sear undisturbed until one side is browned and crisp, 2-4 minutes.
  • Using tongs, turn the scallops and sear until the second side is well browned and the scallops are almost firm to the touch, 2-4 minutes.
  • Take the pan off the heat, transfer the scallops to a plate, and set them in a warm spot.
  • Let the pan cool for a minutes before you make the sauce.
  • When pan has cooled somewhat, return it to medium heat.
  • Add a piece of the butter and the shallots and saute until shallots begin to soften, about 1 minutes.
  • Add wine and simmer until reduced by half, another 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the herbs and lemon zest.
  • Reduce heat to low, add the remaining butter, and whisk constantly until the butter melts into the sauce.
  • Return the scallops and any accumulated juices to the pan.
  • Gently roll the scallops in the sauce to warm them through.
  • Taste for salt and pepper and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the scallops.

PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS WITH HERB BUTTER SAUCE



Pan-Seared Scallops With Herb Butter Sauce image

This dish is so easy to make, but tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen for hours. This scallop dish makes an excellent main course served over fettuccine with some asparagus on the side.... however you serve it, it is sure to be a hit!!! So, If you're looking for a dish that's as easy as it is romantic, look no further!

Provided by InspirationsFC

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb large scallop
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons leeks, finely chopped
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
2 -3 lemon wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • Rinse scallops under cold water. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels; surface moisture prevents browning.
  • Heat a 10- or 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the oil and butter, and heat until hot. Pat the scallops dry once more and put them in the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper and let sear undisturbed until one side is browned and crisp, 2 to 4 minutes. Using tongs, turn the scallops and sear until the second side is well browned and the scallops are almost firm to the touch, 2 to 4 minutes. Take the pan off the heat, transfer the scallops to a plate, and set them aside. Let the pan cool for a minute before you make the sauce.
  • Return the pan to medium heat. Add half of the butter (1 1/2 tbsp.) and the leeks; sauté until the leeks begin to soften, about 1 minute. Add the wine and simmer until reduced by about half, another 1 to 2 minutes. Add the herbs and lemon zest. Reduce the heat to low, add the remaining butter, and whisk constantly until the butter melts into the sauce. Return the scallops and any gathered juices to the pan. Gently roll the scallops in the sauce to warm them through. Taste for salt and pepper and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the scallops.
  • Serve and Enjoy!

PAN-SEARED LEMON AND GARLIC SCALLOPS



Pan-Seared Lemon and Garlic Scallops image

Scallops have a reputation for being hard to cook correctly, but this recipe is really fast, easy, and oh so tasty. The key is high heat for the sear, a good nonstick pan, and clarified butter. Pairs well with risotto.

Provided by Brian Genest

Categories     Seafood     Shellfish     Scallops

Time 1h20m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

12 medium sea scallops
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
5 tablespoons clarified butter (ghee), warm
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons clarified butter (ghee)

Steps:

  • Place scallops in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Cover and let rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Combine 5 tablespoons warm butter, lemon juice, and garlic in a bowl; whisk until combined. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • At the same time, remove scallops from the refrigerator and let come to room temperature, about 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, making sure it does not smoke. Brush scallops with garlic mixture and add to the pan. Cook until the bottoms begin to sear and turn golden, about 2 minutes. Flip scallops, brush with garlic mixture, and cook another 2 minutes. Remove scallops from the heat and let them continue to cook while they rest, off the heat, for 5 more minutes. Plate and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 675.1 calories, Carbohydrate 10.1 g, Cholesterol 232.4 mg, Fat 52.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 42.5 g, SaturatedFat 31.7 g, Sodium 1647.9 mg, Sugar 0.4 g

SCALLOPS WITH CAPER PAN SAUCE RECIPE BY TASTY



Scallops With Caper Pan Sauce Recipe by Tasty image

Want to serve a show-stopping dinner that comes together in no time at all? Seared to golden brown perfection and bathed in a buttery pan sauce of fragrant shallots and white wine and briny capers, these scallops are sure to impress. And since the whole dish takes just 15 minutes to make, you don't need to wait for a special occasion to indulge.

Provided by Betsy Carter

Categories     Dinner

Time 14m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 large sea scallops
kosher salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ stick unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 shallots, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup caper, drained and rinsed
½ cup white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc

Steps:

  • Season the scallops on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, melt together 1 tablespoon butter and the olive oil over high heat. When the butter has melted, add the scallops to the pan and sear, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown on both sides and nearly opaque all the way through, 3-4 minutes total. Divide the scallops between 2 plates and return the skillet to medium-high heat.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet. Add the shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the capers and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the wine and cook, stirring, until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of butter, swirling the pan until it melts into the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then spoon it over the scallops. Serve hot.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 647 calories, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 91 grams, Sugar 2 grams

Tips:

  • Use top-notch scallops. Opt for pristine, dry scallops. Avoid the treated ones, often labelled "sea scallops," which yield a rubbery texture.
  • Pat scallops dry. Eliminating excess moisture is vital for attaining a delightful sear. Thoroughly pat them before searing.
  • Sear in a stainless steel pan. Searing creates an alluring crust on the scallops. A stainless steel pan grants excellent heat conduction, ensuring even searing.
  • Use sufficient oil or butter. Don't be shy with the fat. It aids in forming the delectable crust.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan. This impedes the searing process, resulting in steamed rather than seared scallops. Cook them in batches if necessary.
  • Resist the urge to fidget. Leave the scallops undisturbed while searing. Constantly moving them hinders the formation of an appetizing crust.
  • Cook them promptly. Don't overcook the scallops; they need just a few minutes per side. Err on the side of undercooking, as you can always return them to the pan briefly if desired.
  • Make a flavorful pan sauce. Don't discard the browned bits left in the pan after searing the scallops. They're the foundation of a delectable pan sauce. Deglaze the pan with an acidic liquid, then add some cream or butter for richness.

Conclusion:

Equipped with these culinary insights, you're well on your way to preparing seared scallops that are flawlessly seared, tender, and bursting with flavor. Impress your dinner guests or enjoy a luxurious meal at home with this tantalizing seafood dish. Happy cooking!

Related Topics