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Quick Elegant Seared Scallops Recipe with Brown Butter and Pea Purée Made Easy

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A quick and elegant seafood dish featuring perfectly seared scallops with nutty brown butter and a smooth, vibrant pea purée. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for impressing guests or a special weekday dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large fresh sea scallops, patted dry
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, a few leaves)

Instructions

  1. Prep the scallops: Rinse scallops under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the pea purée: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallot and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds without browning.
  3. Add peas and broth, then cover and simmer for about 5 minutes until peas are tender.
  4. Transfer the pea mixture to a blender. Add lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and optional mint leaves. Blend until smooth and silky. If too thick, add a splash more broth or water. Keep warm.
  5. Sear the scallops: Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. When butter foams and starts to brown lightly, place scallops in the pan spaced apart.
  6. Cook scallops without moving for 2-3 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until scallops feel firm but slightly springy.
  7. Make the brown butter sauce: Remove scallops from pan and set aside. Keep heat on low. Add remaining butter to the pan and melt slowly, swirling occasionally until golden brown and nutty smelling (about 2 minutes). Be careful not to burn.
  8. Turn off heat and drizzle brown butter over scallops.
  9. Plate and serve: Spoon a generous amount of pea purée onto plates. Arrange scallops on top and drizzle with brown butter sauce. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon zest if desired.

Notes

Pat scallops very dry before searing to get a good crust. Use medium-high heat and watch the butter carefully to avoid burning. Do not crowd the pan when searing scallops. The pea purée can be kept warm on low heat while searing scallops. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: seared scallops, brown butter, pea purée, quick seafood recipe, elegant dinner, easy scallops, healthy seafood

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/quick-elegant-seared-scallops-recipe-with-brown-butter-and-pea-pur-e-e-made-easy/