Dive into a culinary delight that will transport your taste buds to the coast with our Seared Sea Scallops with Ginger Lime Cream Sauce! This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines the delicate sweetness of scallops with a zesty, creamy sauce that will leave you craving more. Perfect for a romantic dinner or an impressive gathering with friends, this recipe is quick to prepare, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish. Ready to elevate your dining experience? Let's get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 12 sea scallops
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Season scallops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt and start foaming.
- Carefully place scallops in the hot pan, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows them to sear properly and develop a golden crust.
- Cook scallops for approximately 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them, until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Gently flip the scallops using tongs and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. Scallops should be slightly translucent in the center.
- Remove scallops from the pan and set aside on a warm plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter.
- Add grated ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and fresh lime juice, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate the seared scallops and drizzle the ginger lime cream sauce over the top.
- Garnish with optional fresh herbs like chives or cilantro, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Dry Scallops Thoroughly: Ensure your sea scallops are patted dry before cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown sear that makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing scallops, give them enough space in the pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, preventing that coveted crust from forming.
- High Heat is Key: Use medium-high heat for searing. This allows the scallops to cook quickly and evenly, ensuring they remain tender and juicy inside.
- Timing Matters: Cook the scallops for just 2-3 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the second side. They should be slightly translucent in the center when done.
- Enhance the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with the sauce by adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Fresh herbs like chives or cilantro can also brighten up the dish.
- Serve Immediately: Scallops are best enjoyed fresh off the pan. Plate them quickly and drizzle with the ginger lime cream sauce for a stunning presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 383kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 130mg
