Imagine the savory sweetness of seared scallops beautifully balanced with a tangy lemon cream sauce. This dish, seared scallops in lemon cream, is an elegant yet surprisingly easy recipe that will turn any meal into a gourmet treat. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging on a special night in, these plump, juicy scallops are sure to be a hit.
This recipe makes use of sea scallops which are larger and meatier in comparison to bay scallops. If you're heading out to the supermarket, be aware that you might find both types available. Opt for those labeled 'dry' scallops. Dry scallops are natural and haven't been treated with any water solutions or preservatives, making them the best choice for searing. Another ingredient to keep in mind is the white wine. Choose a good quality, dry white wine, one that you'd enjoy drinking.
Seared Scallops in Lemon Cream Ingredients
Sea scallops: The star of this dish, sea scallops are known for their sweet, delicate flavor and slightly firm texture.
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper: To season the scallops and bring out their natural flavors.
Olive oil: Used for searing the scallops. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for cooking at high temperatures.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Garlic: Provides a punch of flavor to the cream sauce.
White wine: Used to deglaze the pan and adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
Heavy cream: The base of the lemon cream sauce, it adds a deliciously rich and creamy texture.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy note to balance the richness of the cream.
Parsley: For garnish and a touch of freshness.
One reader, Dorie Causey says:
The seared scallops in lemon cream recipe is a game-changer! The scallops were perfectly seared and the lemon cream sauce was divine. It's a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delightful and impressive meal.
Mastering the Art of Searing Scallops
Defrosting scallops: Place the frozen scallops in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. Once defrosted, pat dry with a paper towel before seasoning with salt and pepper.
Searing scallops: Heat oil over high heat in a nonstick skillet until it begins to smoke. Add the seasoned scallops and cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the scallops and cook for an additional 60 seconds or until firm and browned. It's important not to overcook the scallops to maintain their tenderness.
Making the lemon cream sauce: After removing the scallops from the skillet, reduce the heat to medium and wipe out any excess oil. Add butter to the pan and cook the garlic until fragrant. Then, add white wine and simmer until reduced by half, approximately 3 minutes. Next, add heavy cream and lemon juice, and simmer for an additional 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Finally, stir in the remaining butter to finish the sauce.
Plating the dish: Drizzle the lemon cream sauce over the seared scallops and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How To Make Seared Scallops in Lemon Cream
A bright and tangy taste will envelop the taste buds with these seared scallops topped with a rich and creamy lemon wine sauce – perfect for special dinners
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbsea scallops
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼tspfreshly ground pepper
- 2tbspolive oil
- 2tbspbutter,divided
- 2clovesgarlic,minced
- 1cupwhite wine
- ⅔cupheavy cream
- 1tbspfresh lemon juice
- parsley,for garnish
Instructions
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Defrost scallops in the fridge if frozen. Dab dry with a paper towel and season with salt & pepper.
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Heat oil over high heat in a nonstick skillet.
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Once the oil is smoking, add scallops and cook 2 minutes or until golden brown.
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Flip scallops over and cook an additional 60 seconds or just until firm and browned. Do not overcook.
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Remove from heat and place on a plate to rest.
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Reduce heat to medium and wipe-out skillet with a paper towel.
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Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Add white wine and cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add heavy cream and lemon juice. Simmer 2 minutes more or until slightly thickened. Stir in remaining butter.
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Drizzle sauce over scallops and sprinkle with parsley.
Nutrition
- Calories: 378.25kcal
- Fat: 27.78g
- Saturated Fat: 13.87g
- Trans Fat: 0.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.72g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.63g
- Carbohydrates: 7.27g
- Fiber: 0.17g
- Sugar: 1.81g
- Protein: 14.79g
- Cholesterol: 96.82mg
- Sodium: 543.06mg
- Calcium: 46.64mg
- Potassium: 330.94mg
- Iron: 0.83mg
- Vitamin A: 222.54µg
- Vitamin C: 5.26mg
Pro Tip for Achieving the Perfect Sear on Scallops
When searing scallops, it's crucial to have your pan really hot. This ensures a nice, golden crust on the scallops and prevents them from sticking to the pan. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan as this can cause the scallops to steam rather than sear. If necessary, cook the scallops in batches to achieve the perfect sear.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Seared Scallops in Lemon Cream
Plan ahead: Prep all your ingredients and tools before starting to cook to streamline the process and avoid last-minute scrambling.
Multi-task: While the scallops are resting, start preparing the lemon cream sauce to save time and ensure everything is ready at the same time.
Use high heat: Cooking the scallops over high heat will help them sear quickly and develop a beautiful golden crust, saving you time in the process.
Keep it simple: Stick to the basic flavors and techniques to streamline the cooking process and avoid unnecessary steps.
Substitute Ingredients For Seared Scallops in Lemon Cream Recipe
sea scallops - Substitute with jumbo shrimp: Jumbo shrimp can be used as a substitute for scallops in this recipe. They have a similar mild and sweet flavor and will sear beautifully in the lemon cream sauce.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt. It will provide a similar level of saltiness and can be used in the same quantity as kosher salt.
freshly ground pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for freshly ground black pepper. It has a milder flavor and will blend well with the lemon cream sauce.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil. It has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for searing the scallops.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee can be used as a substitute for butter. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for sautéing the garlic and searing the scallops.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for garlic. They have a mild, sweet flavor and will complement the lemon cream sauce.
white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute for white wine. It will add depth of flavor to the sauce without the alcohol content.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a substitute for heavy cream. It will add a rich and creamy texture to the sauce with a hint of coconut flavor.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for fresh lemon juice. It will provide the acidity needed for the sauce without the citrus flavor.
parsley - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for parsley. They have a mild onion flavor and will add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Plating Ideas for a Stunning Scallop Dish
Elevate the scallops: Arrange the seared scallops in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a small amount of delicate microgreens over the scallops to add a pop of color and a fresh, earthy flavor.
Create a lemon cream swirl: Using a small spoon, carefully drizzle the lemon cream sauce in a decorative swirl around the scallops, adding an artistic touch to the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers strategically around the plate to enhance the visual appeal and provide a subtle floral aroma.
Add a citrus zest: Grate a small amount of lemon zest over the scallops to infuse the dish with a burst of bright citrus flavor and a visually stunning touch.
Use a fine dining plate: Select a pristine, high-quality plate to present the dish, ensuring that the scallops are the focal point and the plate complements the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Perfectly Seared Scallops
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Nonstick skillet: A skillet with a nonstick coating that prevents food from sticking to the surface.
- Paper towel: An absorbent paper used for drying and cleaning.
- Plate: A flat dish used for serving or holding food.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush garlic cloves and extract the pulp.
- Whisk: A utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting and flipping foods.
- Food processor: An electric appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cup: A cup with graduated markings used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients.
- Measuring spoon: A spoon with standardized measurements used for measuring small amounts of ingredients.
- Lemon squeezer: A tool used to extract juice from lemons.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting foods.
- Grater: A tool used for grating or shredding ingredients.
- Strainer: A perforated bowl used for draining liquids or straining solids.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and broiling foods.
- Stove: A cooking appliance with burners used for heating and cooking food.
- Refrigerator: An appliance used for storing and preserving food at low temperatures.
Storing and Freezing Seared Scallops: A Guide
- Let the seared scallops cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days.
- To freeze the scallops, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer the frozen scallops to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
- The lemon cream sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat the scallops and sauce, place them in a skillet over medium heat and cook until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes. You may need to add a splash of heavy cream or white wine to thin out the sauce if it has thickened too much in the refrigerator.
- It's not recommended to freeze the lemon cream sauce, as the texture may become grainy and separated when thawed. It's best to make the sauce fresh when you're ready to serve the scallops.
- If you have leftover scallops and sauce, you can repurpose them into a delicious pasta dish. Simply cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions, then toss it with the reheated scallops and sauce for a quick and easy meal.
How To Reheat Leftover Seared Scallops in Lemon Cream
To reheat leftover seared scallops in lemon cream sauce, start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature will help prevent the scallops from overcooking and becoming rubbery.
Place the scallops and sauce in an oven-safe dish, making sure the scallops are evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce has thickened up in the refrigerator, you can add a splash of white wine or heavy cream to loosen it up.
Cover the dish with foil to prevent the scallops from drying out and to help distribute the heat evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the scallops are warmed through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the scallops and sauce on the stovetop. Place the scallops and sauce in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Gently stir the sauce and scallops occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the sauce from burning. Heat until the scallops are warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
If you have a microwave, you can also use it to reheat the scallops, although this method may result in slightly overcooked scallops. Place the scallops and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval, until the scallops are heated through.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure not to overheat the scallops, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. Once reheated, garnish the scallops with fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Fascinating Trivia About Seared Scallops
The seared scallops in lemon cream recipe is a delightful dish that combines the delicate flavors of scallops with the tangy zest of lemon. This dish is not only delicious but also a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It's a versatile recipe that can be served as an appetizer or a main course, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as risotto, pasta, or a fresh green salad. The searing of the scallops adds a beautiful caramelized crust, while the lemon cream sauce provides a creamy and zesty finish to the dish.
Is Making Seared Scallops at Home Cost-Effective?
This seared scallops in lemon cream recipe can be cost-effective for a household. The key is to source the scallops and ingredients smartly. Look for seafood sales or consider frozen scallops. The dish offers a luxurious dining experience, making it worth the investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people can range from $25 to $35, depending on the quality of the ingredients. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its flavor, elegance, and the potential to impress guests without breaking the bank.
Are Seared Scallops in Lemon Cream Healthy?
This recipe for seared scallops in lemon cream sauce is a delicious dish, but it does have some aspects that make it less healthy. The main concerns are:
- High in saturated fat due to the use of butter and heavy cream
- Relatively high in calories, especially if served in large portions
- The sauce may be high in sodium, depending on the amount of salt added
However, there are also some positive aspects:
- Scallops are a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids
- The dish includes garlic, which has potential health benefits such as reducing inflammation and supporting immune function
- White wine and lemon juice add flavor without significantly increasing calorie content
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace some or all of the butter with olive oil, which is lower in saturated fat and contains healthy monounsaturated fats
- Use half-and-half or light cream instead of heavy cream to reduce the calorie and fat content of the sauce
- Increase the amount of garlic and add other vegetables, such as spinach or cherry tomatoes, to boost the nutrient content and add volume to the dish
- Serve the scallops with a side of whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, and a colorful salad to create a balanced meal
- Be mindful of portion sizes, especially when it comes to the cream sauce
Editor's Take: My Honest Opinion on This Scallop Recipe
This recipe for seared scallops in lemon cream is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The seared scallops are perfectly cooked, with a golden brown crust and a tender, juicy interior. The lemon cream sauce adds a bright and creamy element that complements the sweetness of the scallops. The addition of white wine and garlic brings depth to the sauce, creating a well-balanced dish. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a special dinner, and the presentation is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Seared Scallops in Lemon Cream Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Seafood Dishes to Try If You Love Seared Scallops
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Seared Scallops
Why trust this Seared Scallops in Lemon Cream Recipe:
This recipe guarantees succulent sea scallops seared to perfection, ensuring a delightful texture and flavor. The use of white wine and fresh lemon juice in the creamy sauce adds a sophisticated and tangy note, elevating the dish to a gourmet level. The careful seasoning and precise cooking techniques ensure a restaurant-quality outcome. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a memorable dining experience, making it a reliable choice for any occasion.
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