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Pan Seared Scallops in Chardonnay Butter Sauce

A luxurious yet simple dish highlighting the delicate flavors of fresh scallops, enhanced by a rich Chardonnay-infused butter sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the scallops
  • 1/2 pound fresh scallops, shelled and patted dry Look for U-10 scallops for the best sweetness and tenderness.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Preferably a good quality extra virgin for the best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp butter, unsalted Use unsalted for more control over seasoning.
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped Fresh herbs work best for flavor.
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon juice and zest Adds brightness to the dish.
  • 1/4 cup Chardonnay Use a good quality Chardonnay for rich flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, minced shallot, chopped dill, thyme, and parsley.
  2. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat until it starts to smoke.
  2. Turn the heat down to medium-high. Add the scallops to the skillet, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan.
  3. Add the herb butter mixture to the pan and swirl it around to distribute the flavors.
  4. Cook the scallops undisturbed for about two minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  5. Gently turn the scallops over and cook the other side for an additional two minutes until cooked through and golden.
  6. Transfer the scallops to a platter, setting them aside.
  7. Add the Chardonnay, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pan, scraping the bottom to deglaze it. Cook until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and add the scallops back to the pan, spooning the sauce over them to gently reheat.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, over a bed of arugula, diced tomato, and microgreens.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best quality, enjoy immediately.