Elegant Scallops in Tarragon White Wine Sauce
Elevate your dining experience with these succulent sea scallops, delicately seared and paired with a luscious tarragon-infused white wine butter sauce. This dish embodies the essence of gourmet cooking while being remarkably easy to prepare at home. Perfect for a romantic dinner or an elegant gathering, the rich flavors of butter and crisp tarragon harmonize wonderfully with the sweetness of the scallops. Just take care not to overheat the sauce to maintain its velvety texture. Serve alongside fresh vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal that impresses every time.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Butter
5 tablespoons (divided)
Sea scallops
1.5 lbs (dried well)
Salt
1.5 teaspoons (divided)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Dry white wine
1/3 cup (none)
Lemon zest
1 (grated)
Fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1/2 tablespoon of butter over moderate heat.
2
Season the scallops with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper. When the oil is hot, add half of the scallops to the pan.
3
Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes until browned, then flip and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until just cooked through. Remove the scallops and set aside.
4
Repeat the process with the remaining scallops using the remaining tablespoon of oil and 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Once done, remove them from the pan.
5
Carefully wipe out the pan to remove any residue, then place it back over moderate low heat.
6
Pour in the dry white wine and bring to a boil, reducing it to about 2 tablespoons, which should take around 1 to 2 minutes.
7
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and gradually whisk in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, ensuring it softens without completely melting, creating a smooth sauce.
8
Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, lemon zest, and chopped tarragon until well combined.
9
Finally, pour the warm sauce over the scallops before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Elegant Scallops in Tarragon White Wine Sauce, a gourmet seafood meal.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of scallops are used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of sea scallops.
How should the scallops be prepared before cooking?
The scallops should be dried well to ensure a proper sear.
What kind of wine is best for this sauce?
A dry white wine is used to create the base of the tarragon butter sauce.
How much butter is needed for the entire recipe?
A total of 5 tablespoons of butter is required.
What is the recommended cooking time for the scallops?
Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes on the first side and 1 to 2 minutes on the second side.
What type of pan should I use?
A large nonstick frying pan is recommended for searing the scallops.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided during the searing process.
What fresh herb provides the signature flavor for the sauce?
Fresh tarragon is the primary herb used in this dish.
How much lemon zest is added?
The zest of one grated lemon is added to the sauce.
Why should I sear the scallops in batches?
Searing in batches prevents overcrowding, which allows the scallops to brown properly rather than steaming.
How much should the white wine be reduced?
The wine should be reduced from 1/3 cup down to approximately 2 tablespoons.
What is the secret to a velvety butter sauce?
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and gradually whisk in the butter so it softens without completely melting.
What is the total preparation and cooking time category?
This recipe falls under the '< 30 Mins' category.
How much salt is used in total?
A total of 1.5 teaspoons of salt is used, divided between seasoning and the sauce.
What should I do after searing each batch of scallops?
Remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
Should the pan be cleaned before making the sauce?
Yes, carefully wipe out the pan to remove any residue before adding the wine.
What is the suggested heat level for reducing the wine?
The wine should be brought to a boil over moderate low heat.
Can I use ground pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
When is the sauce applied to the dish?
The warm sauce is poured over the scallops just before serving.
What side dishes pair well with these scallops?
Fresh vegetables or a light salad are recommended accompaniments.
What is the texture of the finished scallops?
The scallops should be succulent, browned on the outside, and just cooked through.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as remarkably easy to prepare at home while maintaining a gourmet quality.
What should I avoid doing to the sauce?
Avoid overheating the sauce to maintain its velvety, emulsified texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a romantic dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as perfect for a romantic dinner or an elegant gathering.
What does 'divided' mean for the butter and salt?
It means the total amount is used at different stages of the cooking process.
What is the primary flavor profile of the sauce?
It is a rich, buttery sauce with crisp tarragon and bright lemon notes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 8 main ingredients.
Is there a specific way to chop the tarragon?
The tarragon should be freshly chopped before being stirred into the sauce.