Imagine a dish that transforms simple sea scallops into a gourmet masterpiece that looks like it belongs in a Michelin-starred restaurant. This French-inspired recipe promises to elevate your home cooking with its decadent truffle sauce and perfectly caramelized scallops. Prepare to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to create in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 12 sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon truffle oil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by preparing the sea scallops. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a nice caramelization. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, carefully add the sea scallops to the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook them in batches.
- Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust. After 2-3 minutes, flip the scallops gently using tongs and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are opaque and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate, covering them loosely with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Allow the cream to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, drizzle in the truffle oil, stirring to incorporate. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the cooked scallops to the skillet, gently coating them in the truffle sauce. Let them warm through for about 1 minute.
- To serve, place the caramelized sea scallops on a plate and drizzle with the truffle sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Enjoy your delicious caramelized sea scallops in truffle sauce with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Drying the scallops is crucial - use paper towels to remove all moisture, ensuring a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and perfect caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook scallops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat.
- Watch the cooking time carefully - scallops can become rubbery if overcooked. 2-3 minutes per side is typically perfect.
- Use fresh, high-quality truffle oil for the most intense flavor.
- For an extra touch of elegance, use a white wine or champagne instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce variation.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the scallops at their peak texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 95mg
