Caramelized Scallops Recipe 45

CARAMELIZED SCALLOPS WITH GREEN PEA VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Make the vinaigrette: Blanch the peas in boiling salted water until tender, 1 to 2 minutes, then shock them in an ice bath until chilled; drain. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey and some salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the peas, mint and parsley and toss. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Cook the scallops: Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Brush the scallops on both sides with canola oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the sugar over 1 side of the scallops and let them sit for 2 minutes to slightly dissolve the sugar. Place the scallops sugar-side down on the grill and cook until golden brown and caramelized, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and continue grilling until just cooked through, about 2 minutes.
• Serve 3 scallops per plate and spoon the peas and vinaigrette over and around the scallops. Top each with some chopped mint and parsley, if desired.

PAN SEARED SCALLOPS WITH LEMON CAPER SAUCE

Steps:

• In a medium-sized bowl combine salt and hot water, stirring to dissolve the salt. Add ice water to cool the brine. Add scallops to the brine and let stand for 10 minutes. Line a sheet pan with paper towels, set aside.
• Drain the scallops, rinse under cold water, and then arrange in a single layer on the paper towel-lined sheet pan. Place another paper towel on top of the scallops and gently pat scallops. Remove as much surface moisture as possible for the best browning results when cooked.
• Allow scallops to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature before cooking.
• In a 12-inch saute pan or cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until oil ripples and just begins to smoke.
• Sprinkle scallops lightly with salt on both sides.
• Place scallops into the hot pan without crowding. Gently press scallops with a spatula to make direct contact with the pan.
• Sear scallops without moving them, continuing to cook until bottoms are a rich golden brown, 3 to 3 ½ minutes.
• Add butter to the pan. Turn the scallops over and cook the second side. Use a spoon to baste the scallops with the butter, tilting the pan to collect the butter as needed.
• When the scallops are opaque in color and firm to the touch, about 1 to 2 minutes, turn off heat and transfer to a plate, do not discard pan.
• In the same pan used for cooking the scallops turn heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
• Increase heat to medium-high and add wine. Simmer wine, stirring as needed until the wine is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
• Turn heat to high and add the chicken stock, lemon zest, lemon juice and capers to the pan. Cook until sauce is reduced by half, about ½ cup, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Turn off heat and whisk in Dijon mustard.
• Turn heat to medium and add scallops back to pan, cook until warm, 2 minutes.
• Taste sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
• Garnish scallops with chopped dill, chives and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

CARAMELIZED SCALLOPS WITH WHITE WINE

Steps:

• Check each of your scallops for a small crescent-shaped muscle that may be attached on the side. If you find one, just peel it off with your fingers - it is easily removed. This muscle toughens during cooking.
• Rinse the scallops and dry them thoroughly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Spread the sugar in a thin layer on a plate.
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the clarified butter - when it starts to foam, you are ready to add the scallops. Dip only one side of each scallop in the sugar and place that side down in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until nicely seared. Flip and scallops and cook for another minute. Add the wine and lemon juice to the pan. Reduce the liquid by half. After about 1 1/2 minutes, transfer the scallops to a warm platter and pour pan juices over top.
• Serve the scallops with the pan sauce and garnish with the parsley, chives and lemon zest.