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Perfect Seared Scallops Recipe with Creamy Risotto

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Golden, caramelized scallops paired with rich and velvety risotto make for an indulgent, comforting, and surprisingly easy-to-make dish perfect for date nights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb scallops, fresh or thawed (pat dry for the best sear)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warm
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the scallops in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan during the last minute of cooking. Spoon the garlic butter over the scallops to infuse flavor.
  5. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside on a warm plate.
  6. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
  7. Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat with the oil, cooking for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent.
  8. Pour in the white wine and cook until mostly absorbed, stirring frequently.
  9. Gradually add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed before adding the next ladle.
  10. After about 18 minutes, the rice should be creamy and tender with a slight bite.
  11. Stir in Parmesan, butter, salt, and pepper, mixing until the cheese is melted and creamy.
  12. Serve the scallops on top of the risotto and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter from the pan. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

[‘Dry scallops thoroughly to ensure a good sear.’, ‘Preheat your pan to ensure the scallops caramelize instead of steaming.’, ‘Don’t overcrowd the pan to allow even browning.’, ‘Use warm broth for risotto to maintain cooking temperature.’, ‘Stir risotto often to release starch and create creaminess.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: seared scallops, creamy risotto, seafood recipe, date night dinner, easy risotto recipe

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