Elegant Grilled Scallops with Roasted Red Pepper Basil Sauce
Capture the essence of Northwest U.S. cuisine with these exquisite grilled scallops paired with a robust roasted red pepper and basil sauce. This dish harmonizes the subtle sweetness of the scallops with the rich, aromatic flavors of roasted red peppers and basil. Perfect for an elegant dinner party or a special occasion, this dish is both visually appealing and delightfully delicious. The use of reduced sodium chicken broth and unsalted butter ensures a balanced flavor profile that highlights the fresh ingredients.
N/A
Servings
533
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red bell peppers
4 (Roasted or use 1 1/2 cups marinated roasted red peppers, drained)
Low sodium chicken broth
1 cup
Dry white wine
1/2 cup
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (Crumbled)
Unsalted butter
1 cup (Chilled)
Large scallops
1 1/2 lbs
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Bamboo skewers
12 (Soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking 12 bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during the grilling process.
2
Prepare the Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine roasted red peppers, chicken stock, and white wine. Blend until smooth, resulting in a vibrant and aromatic mixture.
3
Transfer the pepper puree to a 12-inch skillet. Add crumbled dried basil and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half, yielding approximately 1 1/2 cups.
4
Lower the heat to medium. Gradually incorporate chilled unsalted butter into the sauce, adding a few pieces at a time. Stir continuously until the butter is completely melted and the sauce achieves a smooth, silky consistency. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.
5
Prepare the Scallops: Drain the soaked bamboo skewers. Thread the large scallops evenly onto the skewers, ensuring they are securely placed.
6
Brush the scallops generously with melted unsalted butter, which will impart a delightful richness and help prevent sticking on the grill.
7
Preheat your grill. Place the scallop skewers on the grill, about 2-4 inches above very hot coals. Grill the scallops, turning once, for about 3-5 minutes. They should be opaque in the thickest part, indicating they are cooked through.
8
Serving: On six warm dinner plates, divide the prepared red pepper basil sauce. Carefully remove the grilled scallops from the skewers and place them atop the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
9
Finish with a light sprinkling of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its peak flavor.
Nutrition Information
27g
Protein
233mg
Sodium
150mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Elegant Grilled Scallops with Roasted Red Pepper Basil Sauce.
What type of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe captures the essence of Northwest U.S. cuisine.
How many bamboo skewers are required for this recipe?
You will need 12 bamboo skewers.
How long should the bamboo skewers be soaked in water?
The skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
What are the primary ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce consists of roasted red peppers, low sodium chicken stock, dry white wine, dried basil, and chilled unsalted butter.
Can I use store-bought peppers for the sauce?
Yes, you can use 4 roasted red bell peppers or 1 1/2 cups of marinated roasted red peppers, drained.
How do you prepare the red pepper puree?
Combine the roasted red peppers, chicken stock, and white wine in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
How much should the sauce mixture be reduced?
The mixture should be reduced by half, resulting in approximately 1 1/2 cups.
How do you incorporate the butter into the sauce?
Lower the heat to medium and gradually stir in chilled unsalted butter, a few pieces at a time, until smooth and silky.
Why should the butter be chilled when adding it to the sauce?
Using chilled butter and adding it gradually helps the sauce achieve a smooth, silky consistency and prevents it from breaking.
What kind of basil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of crumbled dried basil.
How are the scallops prepared for the grill?
The large scallops are threaded evenly onto the soaked skewers and brushed generously with melted unsalted butter.
Why brush the scallops with melted butter before grilling?
Brushing with butter imparts richness and helps prevent the scallops from sticking to the grill.
How hot should the grill be for the scallops?
The scallops should be placed about 2-4 inches above very hot coals.
How long do the scallops need to be grilled?
The scallops should be grilled for about 3-5 minutes, turning once.
How do I know when the scallops are fully cooked?
The scallops are cooked through when they are opaque in the thickest part.
How should this dish be served?
Divide the sauce among six warm dinner plates, place the grilled scallops on top, and season with salt and black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, it is described as perfect for an elegant dinner party or a special occasion due to its visual appeal and delicious flavors.
What is the calorie count for this scallop dish?
The dish contains 533 calories.
How much protein is provided in this recipe?
This recipe provides 27g of protein.
What is the sodium content of this meal?
The recipe contains 233mg of sodium.
How much cholesterol is in the dish?
The dish contains 150mg of cholesterol.
Can I use salted butter instead?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter to ensure a balanced flavor profile and to highlight the fresh ingredients without excess salt.
What kind of wine should be used?
The recipe recommends using a dry white wine for the sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The serving instructions suggest dividing the sauce among six dinner plates.
What type of chicken broth is best for this recipe?
Low sodium or reduced sodium chicken broth is recommended to maintain a balanced flavor.
How much salt and pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to finish the dish.
How much scallop meat is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of large scallops.
Can the sauce be prepared in advance?
The instructions mention keeping the sauce warm after preparation while you grill the scallops, implying it can be made shortly before serving.
Should the dish be served immediately?
Yes, it should be served immediately to enjoy the dish at its peak flavor.