Sous Vide Scallops with Lemon Butter Recipe
These sous vide scallops are gently cooked at a precise low temperature, yielding tender, moist scallops with a delicate texture. They are finished with a lemon butter sauce that brightens the mild sweetness of the seafood. The method emphasizes controlled cooking for consistent results and a refined presentation with garlic and parsley accents.
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops 10-12 large sea scallops (454 grams)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- salt I used 1/2 teaspoon for each, fresh ground, to taste
- black pepper I used 1/2 teaspoon for each, fresh ground, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter divided, unsalted
- 3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley optional for serving, chopped
Instructions
- Fill a medium-sized container or pot with water, attach the sous vide precision cooker and set the temperature to 123ºF/51ºC. (Or 130°F/54ºC for a firmer texture).
- Remove the tough muscle from the side of the scallops if attached.
- Lightly season the scallops with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Place scallops in one single layer in a large resealable bag or vacuum seal bag. (Make sure to arrange in one layer. If your bag is not large enough, use multiple bags).
- Seal the bag using the “water displacement” technique or a vacuum sealer.
- Once the temperature has reached the target temperature, place the sealed bag in the water bath and set the timer for 30 minutes. Make sure to submerge the scallops completely in the water.
- When the time goes off, transfer the bag to an ice bath. Leave for 15 minutes (or you can chill them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour).
- When the scallops are chilled, remove from the bag and pat very dry with paper towels (wet scallops won’t sear properly).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
- When butter stops foaming, add scallops and fry for 30 seconds on one side (until a golden crust forms underneath), then flip and fry again for another 30 seconds until lightly browned. Remove from skillet and transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and garlic in the same skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add in lemon juice and scrapping up any browned bits. Simmer the sauce for about 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add cooked scallop back into the pan and toss with the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- If using frozen scallops, add 15 minutes to the cooking time and set the sous vide temperature to 130°F (54ºC) for a firmer texture.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 195
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 195kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 42mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 446mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 241mg | 5% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 175IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 11mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.