Indulge in the delicious flavors of pan-seared scallops with a tangy lemon caper sauce. This recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile, making it perfect for a fancy dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of flavors from the scallops, lemon, and capers creates a mouthwatering dish.
- With minimal prep time, you can have a gourmet meal ready in no time.
- This dish is ideal for meal prep and can be easily reheated without losing its delicious taste.
Ingredient Notes:
- Kosher salt: Used for seasoning the scallops and sauce.
- Large scallops: Provide a meaty texture and sweet flavor.
- White wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a tangy kick to the sauce.
- Fresh herbs: Dill and chives enhance the dish with their fresh aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Season scallops with salt and sear in a hot pan with olive oil.
- Prepare the lemon caper sauce by sautéing garlic, adding white wine, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, capers, and mustard.
- Finish the sauce with butter, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the scallops with the lemon caper sauce and garnish with lemon wedges.
Helpful Tips:
- Pat dry scallops before cooking for a better sear.
- Use a non-stick pan for easy cleanup.
- Substitute shrimp or fish for scallops for a different twist.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing scallops.
- Let scallops sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these scallops with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and a crisp white wine for a complete meal experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover scallops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the scallops.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
- Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- How do I know when scallops are cooked through?
- They should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
- Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried in a pinch.
- What can I serve with pan-seared scallops?
- Roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or couscous make great side dishes.
Conclusion:
Treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home with these pan-seared scallops with lemon caper sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and flavors to make this dish your own. Enjoy and share your feedback with us!
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Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Caper Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Halal
Description
Delight your taste buds with these perfectly seared scallops topped with a tangy lemon caper sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will impress any seafood lover.
Ingredients
Brine:
-
- 1/3 cup kosher salt plus more for seasoning
- 1 cup hot water
- 4 cups ice water
Scallops:
- 1 pound large scallops
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup unsalted chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon rinsed capers
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Brine the scallops: Dissolve salt in hot water, add ice water, and soak scallops for 30 minutes. Pat dry.
- Sear the scallops: Heat oil in a pan, sear scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, then remove from the pan.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic, add wine, broth, lemon zest, juice, capers, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish the dish: Return scallops to the pan, coat with sauce, and sprinkle with dill and chives. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are dry before searing for a crispy crust.
- Adjust seasoning and lemon juice to taste for a perfect balance of flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg