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Pan Seared Scallops in Chardonnay Butter Sauce

Elegant pan seared scallops in a rich Chardonnay butter sauce, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot (minced)
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1/2 pound fresh scallops (shelled)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest of)
  • 1/4 cup Chardonnay

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced shallot, chopped dill, thyme, and parsley. Mix until well combined, then set aside.
  2. Prep the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel, ensuring they have no excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.
  3. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. When the oil shimmers and is just about to smoke, reduce the heat to medium-high.
  4. Sear the Scallops: Carefully add the scallops to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust.
  5. Flip and Add Butter: Once golden, turn the scallops over and add the herb butter mixture to the pan. Gently swirl the pan to distribute the butter around the scallops. Cook for another 2 minutes until the other side is golden and the scallops just become opaque.
  6. Create the Sauce: Transfer the scallops to a platter. To the buttery pan, add the Chardonnay, lemon juice, and zest, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Cook until the sauce reduces by half, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Combine and Serve: Place the scallops back into the pan, spooning the buttery Chardonnay sauce over them to reheat gently. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a vibrant bed of arugula.

Notes

For the best results, make sure scallops are at room temperature before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a perfect sear.

Nutrition

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