Delicious Scallops in Wine Sauce Recipe
Welcome to my recipe for scallops in wine sauce! As a seafood lover, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to prepare my favorite dishes. This recipe is no exception, and it’s one that I absolutely love. The seared sea scallops combined with a creamy and savory white wine sauce make for an unforgettable dining experience.
Scallops are a versatile seafood that pairs well with a variety of flavors, and this recipe is a prime example of that. The addition of dry white wine gives the scallops a tangy flavor while the parsley adds a fresh herbaceous note. And let’s not forget about the garlic – it infuses the butter sauce with a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the tender scallops.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – this dish tastes like it was made by a professional chef.
Trust me when I say that this scallops in wine sauce recipe will become a regular dish in your meal rotation. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you love seafood? Do you find yourself always craving perfectly seared scallops? If so, then you’ll absolutely love this Scallop in White Wine Sauce recipe. Not only are these scallops creamy and savory, but they’re also swimming in a delectable white wine sauce that’s sure to tickle your taste buds.
The sweet and tangy flavors of the dry white wine combined with the buttery scallops make for a truly satisfying meal that anyone will enjoy. Additionally, the simplicity of the ingredients and cooking process means that you can whip up this dish in no time for an impressive meal that will make you feel like a top chef.
But that’s not all – this versatile recipe is also easy to customize. Whether you want to add some mushrooms, bacon, or even shrimp to the mix, this recipe can be tailored to your specific taste bud preferences. Furthermore, this scallop in white wine sauce dish pairs perfectly with a wide variety of side dishes including pasta or grilled vegetables.
Overall, if you’re looking for a delicious and fuss-free seafood dish that’s sure to impress both yourself and your guests, then this Scallop in White Wine Sauce recipe is definitely worth adding to your repertoire.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this scallops in wine sauce recipe:
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional toppings: grilled bacon or mushrooms
To make this dish creamy, you can add 1/2 cup heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese.
The Recipe How-To
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-step instructions:
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season them with salt and black pepper.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the scallops to the skillet and sear for about one minute on each side until browned.
- Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
- Add the bay leaf, dry white wine, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients well.
- Increase heat to high and let the sauce boil for a few minutes until it is reduced by half.
- Reduce heat to low and add back the seared sea scallops into the skillet.
- Let everything cook together for an additional minute or two until the scallops are cooked through and coated with sauce.
Serve hot garnished with additional parsley on top.
Pro tip: For an even creamier garlic sauce, add a splash of heavy cream when you add back in the seared scallops before cooking everything together for an additional minute or two.
This recipe is simple but elegant! Make it for a special date night or any seafood dinner party.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily make substitutions and variations that fits your preference or dietary restrictions.
For example, if you aren’t a fan of scallops or seafood, you can easily swap them out for shrimp, crab, or even diced chicken breast. This recipe is also a great base for a scallop pasta dish – simply toss the cooked scallops with some cooked pasta, and you have a delicious seafood pasta dish!
If you want to make the dish more decadent, add cream to the sauce for a creamy garlic sauce. You can also add parmesan cheese to make it creamier and richer.
If you prefer red wine over white, go ahead and switch out the dry white wine for a red wine of your choice. It will give the sauce a more robust and deeper flavor profile.
If you don’t have mushrooms on hand, you can replace them with other veggies like asparagus or green beans. You can also opt to leave them out entirely.
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, skip the buttered noodles and serve with sauteed spinach or roasted broccoli instead.
Finally, if you want to take this recipe to the next level, try pan-frying some bacon until crispy and crumble it over the top of the scallops in wine sauce before serving. The added crunch and saltiness will elevate this dish to new heights!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing these scallops in white wine sauce, there are a number of options that can enhance the delicate flavors of the dish.
If you’re looking for a fresh and light pairing, I would recommend serving the scallops alongside a simple green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette. This will provide a refreshing contrast to the buttery and rich scallops.
Alternatively, you could serve them atop a bed of garlic-infused pasta or creamy mashed potatoes to really let the flavors and aromas blend together. The starchy base will help soak up all of that delicious wine sauce.
For those who prefer something a bit more decadent, try serving the scallops with some crispy bacon bits or grilled shrimp. The savory sea flavors will complement each other perfectly.
In terms of wine pairing, there’s no better choice than a dry white wine. Something like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would work well here. The acidity in the wine will help cut through the richness of the butter and add a refreshing note that balances out the flavors.
Overall, these scallops in white wine sauce are a versatile dish that pair well with a variety of sides and drinks. So get creative and experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect match!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This scallops in wine sauce recipe can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a gourmet meal without the last-minute hassle. To make ahead, cook the scallops and prepare the sauce as instructed in the recipe. Transfer the cooked scallops and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When reheating, gently heat up the sauce in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning. If the sauce appears too thick or has separated, feel free to add a little bit of white wine or heavy cream to thin it out.
To reheat the scallops, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the cooked scallops on a baking sheet and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
If you prefer pan-frying, briefly sear the scallops in butter or olive oil over medium-high heat until lightly browned on both sides. To prevent overcooking, make sure to remove them from the pan as soon as they are reheated.
Once reheated, serve your savory sea scallops with white wine sauce on a bed of rice or pasta. You can also add some shrimp or bay scallops for an even more decadent dish. The creamy garlic sauce goes particularly well with seafood and pasta dishes. This dish is perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure perfect results every time, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind while cooking scallops in wine sauce.
1. Don’t Overcook the Scallops
One of the most important things to remember is not to overcook the scallops. Sea scallops should only be cooked for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Overcooking can result in a tough and rubbery texture.
2. Use Dry Scallops
When purchasing scallops, make sure they are “dry-packed”. This means that they are free from excess water or preservatives that can affect the flavor and texture of the scallops when cooked.
3. Pat Dry the Scallops
Before searing the scallops, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel. This will remove any excess moisture and help them form a nice crust when seared in the pan.
4. Get Your Pan Hot Enough
When searing scallops, it’s crucial that your pan is hot enough before adding them to achieve a good sear on each side. Heat your skillet to medium-high heat, then add butter and oil before gently placing the scallops into the pan.
5. Choose the Right Wine
Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement the flavors of the sea scallops without being too overpowering.
6. Add Lemon Juice and Fresh Parsley
Adding fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley just before serving your scallops with white wine sauce will brighten up the flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the scallops.
By following these tips, you’re sure to get perfect results every time with this delicious recipe for seared sea scallops in white wine sauce.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Scallop in Wine Sauce recipe is the ultimate seafood dish that is sure to impress anyone who has a taste for the sea. With its succulent and savory sea scallops swimming in a creamy garlic wine sauce, it is a match made in heaven for any pasta, grilled vegetables or crusty bread. Plus, with the ease of preparation and various substitutions and variations, you can customize this dish to any liking and season it for an entirely new experience.
With just a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal at home that will have everyone asking you for seconds. So go ahead and give this Scallop in Wine Sauce recipe a try and experience all the enticing flavors that will leave you yearning for more. Trust me; it’s worth it!
Scallops in Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 dozen sea scallops
- 1 (750 ml) bottle dry white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 lb mushroom
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 slices thick white bread, toasted and buttered
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, cut in 1/8ths
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon butter, divided
Instructions
- Wash and dry scallops. Place scallops in a bowl and cover with wine; add bay leaf and marinate about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, slice mushrooms and set aside. Separate eggs, this recipe only uses the yolks. Beat the yolks slightly.
- Cook the scallops for 15 minutes in the wine over medium-low heat. When done, remove cooked scallops from saucepan and season with salt and pepper; keep warm.
- In the meantime, sauté the mushrooms in 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or to desired doneness.
- Bring the marinade/cooking liquid to a boil and add 1/2 teaspoon butter. Slowly whisk in egg yolks to thicken. Season with a little salt and pepper.
- To serve, arrange buttered toast on individual dishes. Top each with scallops and sautéed mushrooms. Spoon wine sauce over top and garnish with parsley and lemon wedge. (The original recipes calls for the bread to be fried in butter, so do that if you wish).