Description
Delicate lemon butter scallops dance atop creamy parmesan risotto, creating an elegant coastal-inspired dinner. Silky seafood and rich Italian rice merge in a harmonious plate that promises restaurant-quality flavors you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12–16 jumbo sea scallops
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups mushrooms
- 5–6 cups chicken broth
Cheese and Seasoning:
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Aromatics and Cooking Liquids:
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1–2 shallots
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- Juice of half a lemon
- Lemon wedges
- Oil for cooking
Instructions
- Caramelize shallots and garlic in melted butter over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
- Incorporate mushrooms into the pan, cooking until they release moisture and develop golden-brown edges.
- Introduce Arborio rice, gently toasting for one minute to enhance its structural integrity during subsequent cooking.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing liquid to simmer and reduce until nearly completely absorbed, creating initial creaminess.
- Gradually introduce warm chicken broth in incremental portions, stirring consistently to encourage rice’s gradual absorption and creamy texture. This methodical process requires 30-40 minutes of dedicated attention.
- Once rice reaches perfect consistency, fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, seasoning comprehensively with salt and pepper to elevate flavors.
- Simultaneously prepare scallops by patting dry and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sear scallops in hot skillet for approximately 90 seconds per side, ensuring golden-brown caramelization without overcooking.
- Create quick lemon butter sauce by whisking butter, fresh lemon juice, and herbs in same skillet.
- Plate risotto as foundational layer, delicately arrange seared scallops on top, and drizzle with vibrant lemon butter sauce.
Notes
- Achieve creamy risotto by stirring constantly and adding warm broth gradually, allowing each addition to absorb before adding more.
- Enhance flavor depth by using high-quality white wine and warming the broth beforehand to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
- Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops for best searing results, patting them completely dry to ensure a golden-brown exterior without steaming.
- Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and using gluten-free rice varieties for those with restrictions.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg