Scallop Scampi
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
320 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer, Lunch
Scallop Scampi
Description
In this Scallop Scampi, large dry-pack sea scallops are patted dry and seared in hot canola oil to develop a browned crust while maintaining a tender interior. The pan then receives olive oil, minced onion or shallot, sliced garlic, and optional chili for heat, which are sautéed briefly to release their aromas.
White wine is added to deglaze the pan, concentrating flavors as it reduces by half. Lemon juice and halved cherry tomatoes cook briefly to balance acidity and sweetness. Fresh parsley returns the scallops to the pan with their juices, finishing the combination with a toss.
The heat is turned off before adding butter in increments, melting it into the sauce for richness and silkiness without further cooking the scallops. This results in a garlicky, bright dish with pops of tomato and fresh herb freshness. It pairs well as a seafood main or with pasta.
Dry scallops and a very hot pan are key to a good sear. Soft herbs can be substituted to vary flavors. Cherry tomatoes are preferred over larger ones for texture. Lemon can be replaced with lime, verjus, or vinegar depending on preference.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon canola oil or other high smoke point oil, or grapeseed oil
- 1 pound scallops preferably large sea scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion minced, or shallot
- 6 cloves garlic sliced thin
- 1 Thai chile optional, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 pound cherry tomato
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Heat a large frying pan over high heat. While it's heating, pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Add the canola oil. When you see a wisp of smoke come up from the oil, add the scallops all at once, shaking the pan as you do to coat them with the oil. Let the scallops sear undisturbed over high heat until you see the side touching the pan brown. Toss them once, then move them to a bowl for now.
- Add the olive oil to the pan and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the shallot and sauté for a minute or two. Add the garlic and the chile, if you're using it, toss and cook 1 minute.
- Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits in the pan with a wooden spoon. Once the white wine has boiled down by half, add the lemon juice and cherry tomatoes and let these cook for 1 minute. Add the parsley, the scallops and any juices back to the pan and toss to combine.
- Turn the heat off and add the butter 1 tablespoon at a time, swirling the pan to melt each tablespoon. Once one has emulsified -- that's what the swirling does -- add the next until you're done. Hit the pan with salt and pepper and serve with bread, or over pasta or polenta.
Notes
- Use large, dry-pack sea scallops for best searing results.
- Ensure scallops are dry and pan oil is very hot before searing.
- The scallops finish cooking at the end; they may be slightly underdone after sear.
- Soft herbs like cilantro, lemon verbena, or thyme may be used in place of parsley.
- Cherry tomatoes retain their shape and texture better than larger tomato pieces.
- Substitute lemon juice with lime, verjus, or vinegar to suit taste preferences.
- Scampi should have a pronounced garlic flavor; adjust garlic amounts to taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 320kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 57mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 457mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 441mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 809IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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