Delicious Scallops in White Wine Sauce Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen where I’m eager to share my secret recipe of Seared Scallops in White Wine Butter Sauce. Imagine perfectly cooked scallops in a savory sea of white wine only to be joined by buttery and garlicky notes. Does it sound like you’ve been transported to a fancy restaurant? But guess what? This dish is much easier than you think! Impress your guests or indulge yourself with this restaurant-grade dish- popular for its richness and delicate flavor.
Scallops are versatile, elegant, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a perfect starter or a light meal, scallops can never disappoint you. Moreover, the recipe is simple enough that even beginner chefs can give it a try. The thick buttery sauce soaked up by perfectly seared scallops makes your taste buds dance with joy. Trust me; once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll never order seared scallops at the restaurant ever again.
So let’s talk about what makes this recipe so fantastic and how it’s better than other seafood recipes out there. First is the combination of flavors – tangy lemon juice, dried oregano, and homemade garlic butter sauce, all cooked together in white wine works wonders for your taste buds. Secondly, scallops themselves are an excellent source of protein and low in calories which makes them the perfect ingredient for healthy meals.
Sounds scrumptious? Keep reading because it gets better!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that is both effortless and fancy, look no further than this Scallops in White Wine recipe. The savory sea scallops are pan-seared to perfection, then served in a white wine butter sauce that will simply melt in your mouth. But what sets this dish apart is not only the combination of flavors but also the ease of preparation.
With just a few ingredients, including garlic, onion, fresh mushrooms, white wine, and butter, you’ll have an impressive and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Plus, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the measurements or swapping out some ingredients to make it your own.
Whether you’re wanting seafood for a romantic dinner at home or hosting a dinner party for friends and family, this Scallops in White Wine recipe is sure to impress. And with its delicate and sophisticated flavors, it pairs perfectly with many dishes such as seafood pasta, lemon caper sauce or creamy garlic.
So give this recipe a try and enjoy the restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your own home!
Ingredient List
Gather the following ingredients for this delicious scallop dish in white wine sauce:
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 1/2 pound bay scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cups dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Make sure to get high-quality ingredients to really make the flavors stand out.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s move on to the exciting part of this scallops in white wine recipe. In this section, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing this delectable dish.
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients for this scallops white wine sauce recipe. You will need:
- 1 pound sea scallops
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Butter (1 tablespoon)
- Minced garlic (1 teaspoon)
- White wine (½ cup)
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
- Dried oregano (¼ teaspoon)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all of your ingredients at hand, it’s time to cook! Follow our cooking instructions carefully for the best results.
Step 1: Preparing the Scallops
First thing’s first: make sure your scallops are dry by patting them with a paper towel. This helps get the perfect sear we’re looking for. Season both sides of the scallops with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 2: Searing the Scallops
Heat olive oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant – about 30 seconds. Add seasoned scallops and sear for 2 minutes on each side until browned.
Step 3: Creating the White Wine Sauce
Remove seared scallops from the pan and add white wine, lemon juice, and dried oregano to deglaze. Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce has reduced a bit. Stir in butter until fully melted and combined.
Step 4: Combining Scallops and White Wine Sauce
Add the cooked scallops back into the pan with the white wine butter sauce, stirring around so everything gets nicely coated. Cook for about 1 minute until scallops are heated through.
Presentation
Once you’ve finished cooking and have the scallops topped with their white wine sauce, they’re ready for presentation! Serve immediately on a bed of pasta or with your favorite side dish. You can add some freshness by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top of the scallops.
Now, that was easy, wasn’t it? I hope this scallops in wine recipe becomes one of your favorite recipes to prepare when you’re in the mood for a fancy seafood dinner or when company is coming over.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is that you can easily explore and make several substitutions or variations to any recipe, including this scallops in wine recipe. Here are some ideas to consider:
– Seafood: If you can’t find fresh or frozen scallops, try using shrimp or chunks of white fish like cod or halibut. These will pair perfectly with the white wine and garlic.
– Wine: While the recipe calls for dry white wine, you can experiment with different types of white wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio. If you happen to have leftover red wine, you can also use it for a darker, richer flavor and color.
– Sauce: The wine butter sauce in this recipe has a delicate balance of flavors that accentuates the scallops perfectly. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making a lemon caper sauce or a creamy garlic sauce instead. A beurre blanc (white butter) sauce is also an excellent alternative that complements seafood dishes well.
– Pasta: If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, try tossing your cooked scallops into some al dente pasta with sauteed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also sprinkle some bacon bits on top for extra crunch and flavor.
– Wine pairing: For a complete dining experience, pair your scallops in wine dish with an appropriate glass of vino. Dry white wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Blanc will complement the flavors in this dish well. Red wines like port wine will also work with this dish if you prefer reds over whites.
With these substitutions and variations in mind, feel free to let your creativity shine through when cooking this recipe. There’s really no wrong way to enjoy scallops with white wine sauce – it all comes down to what culinary adventure you’re in the mood for!
Serving and Pairing
These delectable scallops in white wine sauce can be served as an appetizer or a main course. The savory sea scallops pair perfectly with the tangy and vibrant flavors of the white wine sauce, making for a truly indulgent culinary experience.
For a light lunch or dinner, serve these scallops on a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta, drizzled with the delicious white wine butter sauce. This dish also pairs well with a refreshing green salad, dressed with a light vinaigrette and topped with fresh chopped herbs.
If you would like to elevate this dish even further, I recommend pairing it with a crisp and fruity dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the seafood and bring out the delicate flavors of the scallops.
Alternatively, if you prefer red wine, a medium-bodied Pinot Noir can also work beautifully. The bright acidity and subtle fruit notes provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the butter sauce.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair these scallops in white wine sauce, they are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Scallops in white wine sauce is a wonderful recipe that can be made ahead of time and reheated easily. You can cook the scallops and the sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This make-ahead convenience is perfect for those who have limited time to cook but want to serve elegant dishes to their guests or family.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the scallops and wine sauce in a medium skillet over medium heat. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a little bit of white wine if the sauce becomes too thick. The scallops should reheat quickly without becoming tough or rubbery.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, transfer the scallops and the sauce to a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish and heat over low heat until warm. You may want to add a little bit of water, broth, or white wine if the dish becomes too thick during reheating.
Scallops in white wine sauce is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with different sides such as pasta, rice or vegetables. It’s also an excellent addition to seafood stews or chowders. The delicate flavor of scallops pairs well with a creamy garlic sauce or lemon caper sauce, while bacon-wrapped scallops go well with red wine or port wine.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this scallop recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients and simple instructions, you can make restaurant-quality scallops at home anytime.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking scallops in wine, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve perfect results every time. Follow these pointers to elevate your dish from good to great.
First off, it is important to cook the scallops at high heat to ensure they sear properly. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the scallops, as this will cause them to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less crispy texture. Instead, work in batches if necessary.
Secondly, seasoning is key! Use freshly ground black pepper and dried oregano to season your scallops before cooking them. This will enhance their natural sweetness with just the right amount of savory flavors.
Another tip is to deglaze the pan with lemon juice or white wine after searing the scallops. This not only adds extra flavor but also helps create a delicious white wine sauce for your dish.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of this recipe. You can add minced shallots or fresh mushrooms for added depth of flavor. And if you prefer a creamier texture, try using heavy cream instead of white wine in the sauce.
Lastly, don’t overcook the scallops. As soon as they turn opaque and firm up slightly, remove them from the heat. Overcooked scallops can become rubbery and tough, ruining all your hard work.
By following these tips and adding your own creative twists, you’ll be able to make mouthwatering scallops in wine every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this scallops in wine recipe is a must-try if you’re a seafood lover. It’s quick and easy to make, yet flavorful and sophisticated enough to impress your guests. You can choose between sea scallops or bay scallops, depending on your preference and availability. The white wine sauce has a tangy and savory taste that complements the sweetness of the scallops without overpowering it.
Moreover, this recipe is versatile and customizable, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and variations. You can substitute some of the ingredients or adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can also pair this dish with various sides, such as pasta, seafood, or vegetables.
Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner for two or hosting a dinner party, scallops in wine is a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. It’s elegant but not pretentious, rich but not heavy, and flavorful but not overwhelming. Plus, with these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be able to nail the perfect seared or fried scallops every time. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Scallops in Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh bay scallop
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- hot cooked vermicelli
Instructions
- In a big skillet, cook/saute the scallops in melted butter for 3 minutes.
- Transfer scallops from skillet and set aside; keep drippings in pan.
- Saute mushrooms, onion, and garlic for 3-5 minutes.
- Transfer vegetables from skillet and set aside; keep drippings in pan.
- Add wine, lemon and lime juice, oregano, celery salt, and pepper to skillet.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes.
- Add in scallops and vegetables; stir to combine.
- Cook until heated through.
- Serve over hot vermicelli.