Dive into the rich and indulgent flavors of creamy garlic butter tuscan scallops, a dish that marries the tender sweetness of scallops with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special family meal, this recipe brings gourmet dining to your home kitchen.
Photos of Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops Recipe
For this recipe, you might need to venture beyond your pantry for certain ingredients. Sun dried tomato strips in oil add a unique tangy flavor and richness to the sauce. Heavy cream creates the luxurious base of the sauce. Fresh parmesan cheese lends a creamy and nutty profile. If these items aren't commonly found in your kitchen, make sure to grab them on your next supermarket trip.
Ingredients For Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops
Scallops: Sweet and tender seafood that forms the base of the dish.
Salted butter: Adds rich flavor and a silky texture to the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with aromatic and savory notes.
Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth.
White wine: Adds acidity and enhances the flavors of the dish.
Sun dried tomato strips in oil: Contributes intense, tangy flavors.
Heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
Baby spinach leaves: Offers freshness and a slight bitterness.
Fresh parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty dimension to the sauce.
Dried italian herbs: A blend of herbs that bring an Italian essence to the dish.
Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and a fresh taste.
One reader, Katuscha Sipes says:
This creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops recipe is divine! The scallops are perfectly seared, and the rich, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach is simply irresistible. A restaurant-quality dish that's easy to make at home. Highly recommend!
Cooking Techniques for Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops Recipe
How to pat scallops dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly remove moisture from the scallops to ensure a good sear. How to heat oil: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it is hot and sizzling. How to sauté onions and garlic: Cook the onions until soft and then add garlic, cooking until fragrant. How to reduce wine: Pour in white wine and cook until it reduces by half, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits. How to wilt spinach: Add spinach leaves to the sauce and cook until they wilt. How to simmer sauce: Reduce heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
How To Make Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops
You only need 30 minutes to whip up this easy scallops recipe, loaded with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cheeses, and plump scallops, for a filling meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 28ozscallops
- 2tbspsalted butter
- 4garlic cloves,finely diced
- 1small yellow onion,diced
- ½cupwhite wine,optional
- 5ozsun dried tomato strips in oil,drained, 1 tsp of the jarred oil reserved
- 1¾cupsheavy cream,or half and half
- salt and pepper,to taste
- 3cupsbaby spinach leaves,washed
- ½cupfresh parmesan cheese,grated
- 2tspdried Italian herbs
- 1tbspfresh parsley,chopped
Instructions
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Thoroughly pat the scallops dry with paper towels.
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Heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot and sizzling. Add the scallops in a single layer without over crowding the pan, working in batches, if needed.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until a golden crust forms underneath, then flip and fry again for 2 minutes until crisp, lightly browned and cooked through or opaque. Remove from skillet and transfer to a plate.
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Melt the butter in the pan. Sauté the onion for about 4 minutes until soft. Add in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the white wine, and allow to reduce to half, while scraping any bits off of the bottom of the pan. Add the sun dried tomatoes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to release their flavors.
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Reduce heat to low-medium heat, add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, while stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
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Add in the spinach leaves and allow to wilt in the sauce, then add in the parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for a further minute until the cheese melts through the sauce.
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Stir in the herbs, then take the pan off the heat. Add the scallops with their juices into the pan, then mix through slightly.
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Serve over pasta, rice, or steamed veg. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 975.40kcal
- Fat: 85.64g
- Saturated Fat: 33.59g
- Trans Fat: 0.38g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 36.55g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 12.03g
- Carbohydrates: 14.67g
- Fiber: 1.06g
- Sugar: 4.17g
- Protein: 33.60g
- Cholesterol: 218.18mg
- Sodium: 1128.57mg
- Calcium: 337.28mg
- Potassium: 630.20mg
- Iron: 2.11mg
- Vitamin A: 557.45µg
- Vitamin C: 6.48mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops
To achieve a perfect golden crust on your scallops, make sure they are thoroughly patted dry before cooking. Moisture on the surface will cause them to steam rather than sear, preventing that desirable caramelization. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Tuscan Scallops
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the garlic, onion, and sun dried tomatoes in advance to streamline cooking.
Use pre-washed spinach: Save time by using pre-washed baby spinach leaves.
Quick scallop drying: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels as soon as you unpack them to save time later.
Pre-measure seasonings: Measure out the salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs before you start cooking.
Grate cheese early: Grate the parmesan cheese ahead of time to avoid delays.
Batch cooking: Cook the scallops in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops Recipe
scallops - Substitute with shrimp: Shrimp has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good alternative for scallops in this dish.
salted butter - Substitute with unsalted butter: You can control the salt level better by using unsalted butter and adding salt separately.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable; it provides a similar flavor, though fresh garlic is more aromatic.
yellow onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor, which can complement the dish well.
white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor without the alcohol content, making it suitable for those avoiding alcohol.
sun dried tomato strips in oil - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a similar texture and a slightly sweet flavor, though they lack the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar creamy texture, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.
salt and pepper - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
baby spinach leaves - Substitute with kale: Kale is a hearty green that can withstand cooking and provides a similar nutritional profile.
fresh parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast is a vegan alternative that provides a cheesy flavor without dairy.
dried italian herbs - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs, though it includes lavender, which adds a unique flavor.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, vibrant flavor, though it has a distinct taste that differs from parsley.
Plating Ideas for Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops
Use a pristine white plate: The simplicity of a white plate allows the vibrant colors of the scallops, sun dried tomatoes, and spinach to stand out, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Arrange scallops in a circular pattern: Place the scallops in a neat circle around the plate, leaving space in the center for the sauce. This creates a focal point and adds a touch of elegance.
Layer the sauce artfully: Spoon the creamy garlic butter Tuscan sauce into the center of the plate, allowing it to gently spread outwards. This ensures each bite of scallops is accompanied by the rich, flavorful sauce.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the top of the dish. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, aromatic element to the presentation.
Add a Parmesan crisp: Create a small Parmesan cheese crisp by baking grated Parmesan until golden and crispy. Place it delicately on top of the scallops for an added texture and visual appeal.
Drizzle with a touch of olive oil: Finish the dish with a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil around the edge of the plate. This adds a glossy finish and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Serve with a side of microgreens: Add a small bunch of microgreens on the side of the plate. This not only adds a fresh, crunchy element but also elevates the dish's presentation to a professional level.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Tuscan Scallops
Paper towels: To thoroughly pat the scallops dry, ensuring they sear properly.
Large pan or skillet: For cooking the scallops and making the sauce.
Olive oil: To heat in the pan for frying the scallops.
Tongs: To flip the scallops without breaking them.
Plate: To transfer the cooked scallops while making the sauce.
Knife: For chopping the garlic and onion.
Cutting board: To provide a surface for chopping the garlic and onion.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For sautéing the onion and garlic, and stirring the sauce.
Measuring cups: To measure the white wine and heavy cream.
Measuring spoons: To measure the butter, dried Italian herbs, and fresh parsley.
Grater: For grating the fresh parmesan cheese.
Serving dish: To serve the final dish over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops Recipe
- Allow the scallops to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled scallops and sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the scallops and sauce overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid overcooking the scallops during reheating to prevent them from becoming tough or rubbery.
- If the sauce appears too thick after thawing, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to help loosen it up and restore its creamy texture.
- For best results, consume the reheated scallops and sauce within 1-2 days of thawing.
How To Reheat Leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops
To reheat leftover creamy garlic butter tuscan scallops, start by placing them in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the scallops from drying out. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval, until the scallops are heated through and the sauce is warm and creamy.
Another option is to reheat the scallops on the stovetop. Place the leftover scallops and sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently and continuously to prevent the sauce from burning or separating. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to thin it out. Heat until the scallops are warmed through and the sauce is hot and bubbly.
For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the scallops in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scallops in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the scallops are heated through and the sauce is bubbly. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
If you have leftover pasta or rice to serve with the scallops, you can reheat them together in the same pan. Simply add the pasta or rice to the saucepan with the scallops and sauce, and stir gently until everything is heated through. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious, cohesive dish.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to reheat the scallops gently and avoid overcooking them, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Once heated through, serve the creamy garlic butter tuscan scallops immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or parmesan cheese, if desired.
Interesting Trivia About Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops Recipe
A fun fact about this creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops recipe is that scallops are a great source of lean protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, magnesium, and potassium.
Budget-Friendly: Making Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops at Home
This creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops recipe is moderately cost-effective. The primary expense comes from the scallops, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. However, the rich flavors and gourmet appeal make it worth the splurge for special occasions. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $35-$45 USD. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Is This Creamy Tuscan Scallops Dish Healthy or Not?
This creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of butter and heavy cream, which are high in saturated fats and calories.
- Scallops, although a good source of protein and nutrients, are relatively high in cholesterol.
- The dish is served over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables, which can add to the overall carbohydrate and calorie content, especially if the portions are generous.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as garlic, onion, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, you could try the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter and heavy cream used, or replace some of the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative like half-and-half or evaporated skim milk.
- Use whole grain pasta or rice to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates.
- Increase the portion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding more spinach or serving it over a bed of zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables.
- Opt for scallops that are sustainably sourced and lower in cholesterol, or consider using a leaner protein like shrimp or chicken breast.
- Use fresh herbs and spices generously to add flavor without relying on excessive amounts of fat or salt.
Editor's Opinion on This Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops Recipe
This creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops recipe is a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures. The combination of tender scallops, savory garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a luxurious sauce that pairs beautifully with the fresh spinach and parmesan. The use of white wine adds a sophisticated depth, while the Italian herbs and fresh parsley provide a fragrant finish. This dish is versatile enough to be served over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables, making it a perfect choice for an elegant dinner. Overall, it's a well-balanced and indulgent recipe that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops Recipe:
This recipe for creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops is a must-try for seafood lovers. The combination of scallops seared to perfection, a rich garlic butter sauce, and the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach creates a symphony of flavors. The use of white wine and fresh parmesan cheese elevates the dish, making it restaurant-quality. Trust this recipe for its detailed instructions and high-quality ingredients, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
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