Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Creamy Polenta
Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Creamy Polenta is a dish that beautifully showcases the delicate flavors of the sea combined with the comforting texture of polenta. The richness of the seared scallops, paired with the nutty, aromatic brown butter and the creamy base of polenta, makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe that will have your taste buds dancing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Creamy Polenta recipe is ideal for food enthusiasts looking for a quick yet elegant meal. With minimal prep time and a cook time of just about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive dinners for guests. The combination of the buttery, herb-infused scallops and the creamy, savory polenta will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a family-friendly dish; even the pickiest eaters will be drawn to the vibrant flavors and delightful textures.
Ingredients
To create this flavor-packed dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley), chopped
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)
When carefully sourced and combined, these ingredients create a dish that is both visually stunning and delicious. The sea scallops will be perfectly seared, and their flavors will meld beautifully with the herbaceous brown butter and the creamy polenta.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Polenta
Begin by bringing 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot. Once it’s bubbling, slowly whisk in 1 cup of polenta. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens—this will take about 20 minutes. Once it reaches that creamy consistency, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream for extra richness.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
Next, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the 1 pound of sea scallops dry with paper towels, ensuring they are free from excess moisture. This helps create a nice golden-brown sear. Season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they sear instead of steam. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Herb Brown Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt and become bubbly. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, being careful not to let them burn. As the butter cooks, it will begin to brown slightly, developing a rich, nutty flavor. Stir in the freshly chopped herbs and the juice of 1 lemon. This fragrant herb brown butter will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your scallops.
Step 4: Serve the Dish
To assemble your dish, ladle the creamy polenta onto plates. Top each serving with the beautifully seared scallops. Generously drizzle the herb brown butter over the scallops and polenta. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with lemon zest and additional herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Choosing Quality Scallops: Opt for fresh, dry sea scallops rather than wet scallops, which are soaked in a preservative solution. This will ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Patience is Key: Allow the scallops to sear undisturbed for the first few minutes to achieve that lovely golden crust.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix up the fresh herbs based on what’s available or your personal preference. Dill or basil can add a unique twist to the dish.
- Make it a Meal: Add sautéed vegetables, like asparagus or spinach, for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will complement the delicate flavors of the scallops without overpowering them. A fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also enhance the meal, adding a bright and refreshing note.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional values can vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods, a typical serving of Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Creamy Polenta contains approximately:
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30g
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
This dish provides a good source of protein from the scallops and carbohydrates from the polenta, making it a well-rounded meal option.
Storing Tips & Variations
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, as reheating can make the scallops tough.
For variations, you can substitute the polenta with creamy mashed potatoes or quinoa. Additionally, feel free to add other proteins, such as shrimp or chicken, and experiment with different sauces or toppings.
Conclusion
Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Creamy Polenta is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the sea and fresh herbs to your dining table in a beautifully cohesive way. The balance of textures and flavors makes it an elegant choice for dinner gatherings or a casual night in. Treat yourself to this recipe today—it’s sure to impress!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to ensure a good sear.
2. Is polenta gluten-free?
Yes, polenta is made from cornmeal and is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. What can I substitute for butter if I want a lighter option?
You can substitute olive oil for butter, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile slightly. Use a combination of oil and a small amount of goat cheese for creaminess.
4. How do I know when the scallops are cooked properly?
Scallops should be opaque with a slight firmness when cooked. They should also have a golden-brown crust on the outside.
5. Can I make the polenta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the polenta ahead of time. Reheat with a little water or broth to loosen it before serving.
Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Creamy Polenta
Ingredients
For the Polenta
- 1 cup polenta Use fine or coarse polenta.
- 4 cups water or chicken broth Chicken broth will add more flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For added creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream Optional, for extra richness.
For the Scallops
- 1 pound sea scallops Choose fresh, dry scallops for best results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For searing the scallops.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the brown butter.
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped Enhances the flavor of the brown butter.
- 1 lemon juice and zest For brightness in the dish.
- Salt to taste For seasoning the dish.
- Pepper to taste For seasoning the dish.
Optional Serving Suggestions
- Lemon zest For garnish.
- Additional herbs For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation of Polenta
- Bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot.
- Slowly whisk in 1 cup of polenta and reduce heat to low.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 20 minutes).
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if using).
Searing the Scallops
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove scallops from skillet and set aside.
Making the Herb Brown Butter
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Allow butter to melt and become bubbly, then add minced garlic.
- Cook until garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Stir in chopped herbs and lemon juice.
Serving the Dish
- Ladle creamy polenta onto plates and top with seared scallops.
- Drizzle herb brown butter over scallops and polenta.
- Garnish with lemon zest and additional herbs if desired.