Savory Pan-Seared Scallops with Crispy Sage and Browned Butter
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of this elegant dish featuring colossal sea scallops, renowned for their sweetness and tenderness. This recipe transforms these ocean gems into a culinary masterpiece by pan-searing them to perfection, creating a luscious golden-brown crust that encapsulates their natural juiciness. The addition of aromatic browned butter infuses the scallops with depth, while fresh sage, crispy and fragrant, elevates the dish to new heights. Each bite is a celebration of savory goodness, making this a must-try for any seafood lover. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this dish is bound to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sea scallops
1 lb (colossal, approximately 8 at 2 inches in diameter)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (seasoning)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (seasoning)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (seasoning)
flour
2 tablespoons (for dusting)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
butter
2 tablespoons (for browning)
sage
1/4 cup (fresh, chiffonade)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the sea scallops under cold water and thoroughly patting them dry with a paper towel to eliminate excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect, golden sear.
2
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Season the scallops generously on both sides with this spice mix for an enhanced depth of flavor.
3
Evenly dust the seasoned scallops with flour, making sure to pat off any excess to ensure a light, crisp coating.
4
In a cast iron skillet or other oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it's hot enough for searing. Carefully place the scallops in the skillet, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding.
5
Cook the scallops for about 3 to 5 minutes without moving them, allowing a beautiful sear to develop. You'll know it's time to flip them when the bottom edges turn opaque about a quarter of the way up and the seared side has a lovely brown color.
6
Once flipped, lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. As the butter melts and begins to foam, use a spoon to baste the scallops with the melted butter, infusing them with flavor. Continue to cook for another 1 to 3 minutes, keeping an eye on the butter to ensure it reaches a rich amber color without burning.
7
In the final minute of cooking, sprinkle the chiffonade of fresh sage into the pan. Allow the sage to crisp up in the browning butter while you continue to baste the scallops, enriching the dish with a delightful aroma.
8
The scallops are perfectly cooked when they turn opaque throughout, or when their internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Remove from heat and serve immediately, drizzling any remaining browned butter and sage over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient of this recipe?
The main ingredient is one pound of colossal sea scallops, approximately 8 pieces at 2 inches in diameter.
Why must the scallops be dried before cooking?
Thoroughly patting the scallops dry with a paper towel is crucial for achieving a perfect, golden-brown sear.
What spices are used to season the scallops?
The scallops are seasoned with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Why is flour used in this recipe?
Flour is used to lightly dust the seasoned scallops, which helps create a light, crisp coating when seared.
What type of pan is best for searing scallops?
A cast iron skillet or another oven-safe skillet is recommended for the best searing results.
What oil should I use for frying?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil to be heated until it shimmers.
How long do I sear the first side of the scallops?
Cook the scallops for about 3 to 5 minutes without moving them to develop a beautiful sear.
How do I know when it is time to flip the scallops?
Flip them when the bottom edges turn opaque about a quarter of the way up and the seared side has a lovely brown color.
When do I add the butter to the pan?
Add the butter after flipping the scallops and lowering the heat to medium.
What is the purpose of basting the scallops with butter?
Basting with melted butter infuses the scallops with deep flavor and helps them reach a rich amber color.
How should the fresh sage be prepared?
The fresh sage should be cut into a chiffonade before being added to the pan.
When should the sage be added to the recipe?
Add the sage in the final minute of cooking so it can crisp up in the browning butter.
What is the target internal temperature for cooked scallops?
The scallops are perfectly cooked when their internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
How do I serve the scallops?
Serve them immediately, drizzling any remaining browned butter and crispy sage over the top.
Can I move the scallops while they are searing?
No, you should avoid moving them for the first 3 to 5 minutes to ensure a proper crust develops.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires two tablespoons of butter for the browning process.
What describes the texture of the sage in this dish?
The sage becomes crispy and fragrant as it cooks in the browning butter.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
No, it is categorized as quick and easy, despite its elegant presentation.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While servings aren't specified, the recipe uses one pound of scallops, which is typically 2 to 4 servings depending on the meal.
What does 'shimmering' oil indicate?
Shimmering oil indicates it is hot enough to begin searing the seafood.
What is the appearance of a perfectly cooked scallop?
A perfectly cooked scallop should be opaque throughout with a golden-brown crust.
What kind of heat is used for the second side of cooking?
The heat should be lowered to medium once the scallops are flipped and butter is added.
Does the recipe use garlic cloves?
No, it uses garlic powder as part of the seasoning mix.
What is 'browned butter' in this context?
It is butter cooked until it reaches a rich amber color, providing a nutty and savory flavor.
Can I use smaller scallops?
The recipe specifically calls for colossal sea scallops for their sweetness and tenderness.
How much flour is needed?
Two tablespoons of flour are used for dusting the scallops.
What are the flavor tags for this recipe?
Tags include savoury, seafood, browned butter, and sage.
Is this recipe suitable for a romantic dinner?
Yes, it is described as an elegant dish perfect for romantic dinners and special occasions.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much onion powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.