Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a restaurant-worthy dish that's surprisingly simple to create at home! These golden-seared scallops nestled in a vibrant paprika-infused spinach sauce will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. With just 25 minutes between you and gourmet perfection, this recipe promises to impress even the most discerning food lovers, making you look like a professional chef in your very own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 large scallops
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the fresh spinach under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Set aside.
- Season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance their natural flavor during cooking.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the scallops to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches if your pan isn't large enough.
- Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Carefully flip the scallops and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until they are opaque and firm to the touch. Remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same pan, add the smoked paprika and stir it into the residual oil. Allow it to cook for about 30 seconds to release its flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring it into the paprika syrup. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender.
- Return the scallops to the pan, gently nestling them into the spinach and paprika syrup. Cook for an additional minute to warm the scallops through.
- Remove from heat and taste the sauce, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, divide the wilted spinach and scallops between two plates, spooning the paprika syrup over the top. Enjoy your Scallops with Spinach Paprika Syrup!
Tips
- • Always pat scallops completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust • Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution • Cook scallops on high heat but don't overcrowd the pan • Look for fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best flavor and texture • Avoid moving scallops while they're cooking to develop a perfect sear • Use smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor in the syrup • Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the scallops at their peak texture • Pair with a crisp white wine to complement the dish's delicate flavors
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
