Introduction
Brown Butter Scallops are a luxurious yet surprisingly easy dish that can elevate any dining experience. With their sweet, delicate flavor and a buttery, nutty sauce, these scallops are perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. This recipe from Damn Delicious makes it simple to achieve restaurant-quality scallops right in your own kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 ¼ pounds scallops (approximately 24)
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Prep Time
Approximately 10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Instructions
1. Prepare the scallops by removing the small side muscle and rinsing them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the scallops with ¾ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
3. In a large cast iron skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Cook the scallops in batches, flipping once, until golden brown and translucent, about 1-2 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, allowing each to melt before adding the next. Cook until the butter foams and turns a deep golden brown.
5. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme to the browned butter and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Return the scallops to the skillet, spoon the brown butter sauce over them for about 1 minute, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Scallops:
– Remove the small side muscle from each scallop.
– Rinse the scallops under cold water and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels.
Season:
– Season the scallops with ¾ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the Scallops:
– In a large cast iron skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
– Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the scallops to the skillet in a single layer.
– Cook the scallops, flipping once, until they are golden brown and translucent in the center, about 1-2 minutes per side.
– Once cooked, set the scallops aside and keep them warm.
Prepare the Brown Butter Sauce:
– Reduce the heat to medium-low.
– Add the remaining 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet, one tablespoon at a time, allowing each to melt before adding the next.
– Continue cooking until the butter starts to foam and turns a deep golden brown color, releasing a nutty aroma.
Add Aromatics:
– Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme sprigs to the browned butter.
– Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
Combine and Serve:
– Return the cooked scallops to the skillet.
– Spoon the brown butter sauce over the scallops for about 1 minute to reheat and coat them.
– Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Serving Size:
– This recipe yields 4 servings and is ideal for a fancy dinner or special occasions.
Cooking Tip:
– Make sure to dry the scallops well before seasoning and cooking to achieve a nice sear.
Butter Caution:
– Watch the butter closely while browning to prevent burning, as it can quickly go from brown to burnt.
Freshness:
– Fresh scallops yield the best flavor and texture, so use them if possible.
Cook Techniques
Preparing Scallops
Remove the small side muscle from each scallop and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
Seasoning
Season scallops evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
Searing Scallops
Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook scallops in batches to avoid overcrowding, flipping them once until golden brown and translucent in the center, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Preparing Brown Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and add remaining butter slowly. Allow it to melt and cook until it foams and turns a deep golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma.
Adding Aromatics
Incorporate minced garlic and fresh thyme into the browned butter, cooking until fragrant to elevate the flavor profile.
Combining and Serving
Return the seared scallops to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and reheat for a minute before serving with lemon wedges.
FAQ
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and dry them thoroughly before cooking for optimal results.
How do I know when scallops are done cooking?
Scallops should be golden brown on the outside and translucent in the center. They should also be firm to the touch.
What can I serve with brown butter scallops?
Brown butter scallops pair well with a variety of sides such as risotto, pasta, or a simple green salad.
Can I make the brown butter sauce in advance?
It’s best to make the brown butter sauce fresh for optimal flavor, but you can prepare the sauce and reheat it gently when ready to serve.
What are some alternatives to thyme?
You can substitute with other herbs such as parsley, basil, or chives, depending on your flavor preference.
Conclusion
This Brown Butter Scallops recipe is a delightful and sophisticated dish that brings out the rich flavors of scallops through the nutty essence of brown butter. With its simple preparation and elegant presentation, it’s an ideal choice for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner. The combination of garlic and thyme elevates the dish, while a squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing brightness.
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