Zesty Bay Scallops with Lemon Dill Butter Sauce
Delight in the exquisite flavors of our Zesty Bay Scallops with Lemon Dill Butter Sauce. This dish features tender bay scallops sautéed to perfection in a rich, buttery sauce infused with the bright notes of fresh lemon and fragrant dill. Perfect for a quick gourmet dinner or a special occasion, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and will impress your family and friends. Serve it over a bed of rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal that's sure to please.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
2 (tablespoons)
bay scallops
1.5 (lbs)
dry vermouth
2/3 (cup)
lemon juice
1 (tablespoon)
lemon rind
1/2 (teaspoon, finely grated)
fresh dill
1/4 (cup, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried))
black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it begins to foam gently.
2
Carefully add the bay scallops to the skillet and season lightly with salt. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until they are nearly opaque but still tender, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3
Using a slotted spoon, remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Leave the cooking liquid in the skillet.
4
Pour the dry vermouth into the skillet, followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely grated lemon rind. Increase the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer, reducing it to a thick glaze for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Return the scallops back to the skillet, gently stirring them into the sauce until well coated.
6
Add the freshly chopped dill and freshly ground black pepper, and toss to combine. Serve the dish immediately, garnished with additional dill if desired.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Protein
150mg
Sodium
30mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Bay Scallops with Lemon Dill Butter Sauce?
This is a gourmet seafood dish featuring tender bay scallops sautéed in a rich sauce made of unsalted butter, dry vermouth, lemon juice, lemon rind, and fresh dill.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is designed for efficiency and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
What is the calorie count for this scallop dish?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of these scallops?
This recipe provides 8.75g of protein per serving.
What amount of scallops is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of bay scallops.
Can I use sea scallops instead of bay scallops?
Yes, but keep in mind that larger sea scallops will require a longer sautéing time than the 2 minutes suggested for bay scallops.
What kind of butter is best for the sauce?
The recipe specifically recommends using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What is the purpose of dry vermouth in this recipe?
Dry vermouth is used to create a flavorful glaze and deglaze the skillet after the scallops are sautéed.
How much dry vermouth is needed?
You will need 2/3 cup of dry vermouth for the sauce.
Can I substitute dried dill for fresh dill?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill for the 1/4 cup of freshly chopped dill.
How long should the scallops be sautéed?
The scallops should be sautéed for about 2 minutes until they are nearly opaque.
How do I prepare the lemon for this sauce?
You will need 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated lemon rind.
What is the sodium content of this dish?
This recipe contains 150mg of sodium per serving.
What is the cholesterol level in this recipe?
There is 30mg of cholesterol per serving.
Should I use a specific type of pepper?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What should I do with the cooking liquid after removing the scallops?
Leave the cooking liquid in the skillet to mix with the vermouth and lemon to create the glaze.
How long should the sauce simmer to become a glaze?
The sauce should simmer for about 5 minutes until it reduces into a thick glaze.
What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
It is delicious served over a bed of rice or alongside sautéed vegetables.
Is this recipe considered high protein?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as a high protein meal.
Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon?
While lemon is traditional for this flavor profile, lime could be used for a different citrus notes.
What equipment is needed?
A large skillet and a slotted spoon are the primary tools required for this recipe.
When should I add the fresh dill?
Add the fresh dill at the very end when returning the scallops to the skillet to maintain its bright flavor.
How do I ensure the scallops remain tender?
Remove them from the heat once they are nearly opaque and only return them briefly to coat in the finished sauce to avoid overcooking.
What if I don't have dry vermouth?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can be a suitable substitute for dry vermouth.
Is this dish suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, its gourmet profile and elegant butter sauce make it perfect for special occasions or guest dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: butter, scallops, vermouth, lemon juice, lemon rind, dill, and black pepper.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is a rich, buttery, and thick glaze that coats the scallops.
Should the heat be high when reducing the sauce?
Increase the heat slightly from medium to ensure the liquid simmers and reduces effectively.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your dry vermouth or butter.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with additional fresh dill for a professional presentation.