Sweet & Savory Seared Scallop Bowls with Asparagus & Creamy Sauce Recipe

Scallops offer a delightful culinary adventure that can instantly brighten your dining experience.

Succulent seafood brings elegance to simple home cooking.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals.

Delicate marine flavors blend perfectly with crisp vegetables and smooth, velvety sauces.

Fresh asparagus provides a vibrant green complement to tender shellfish.

Each carefully prepared bite promises a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this restaurant-quality dish.

What Pairs Nicely With Scallop Bowls

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the delicate scallop flavor and cuts through the creamy sauce's richness.
• Create Fresh Citrus Salad Side: Prepare a light mixed greens salad with orange segments, lemon vinaigrette, and delicate herbs to enhance the seafood's subtle taste and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Cook quinoa with fresh parsley, chives, and a touch of lemon zest to provide a nutty, herbal base that supports the scallops' elegant texture and sauce's creamy profile.
• Select Crusty Sourdough Bread: Serve warm, slightly toasted sourdough slices to help guests soak up the remaining creamy sauce and add a satisfying textural element to the delicate seafood dish.

Try These Scallop Bowl Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Seafood Bowl: Replace cream with coconut milk and use gluten-free flour to thicken sauce if needed. Perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Sea Alternative: Swap scallops with king oyster mushrooms, cut into medallion shapes. Use plant-based butter and cashew cream for a similar texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Ocean Plate: Skip traditional bowl and serve over cauliflower rice. Replace cream sauce with lighter herb-infused olive oil dressing for reduced calories.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add roasted cherry tomatoes and sprinkle feta cheese. Incorporate oregano and replace lemon juice with white wine for deeper Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs

• How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown crust and translucent center. Scallops should be slightly firm to touch but not rubbery. Overcooking makes them tough, so sear quickly for 2-3 minutes per side.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat extremely dry before cooking. Excess moisture prevents proper searing and golden browning. Use paper towels to remove all moisture for best results.

• What herbs work best for garnishing these scallop bowls?

Fresh chives, parsley, or dill complement the delicate seafood flavor. Finely chop herbs just before serving to maintain their bright color and aromatic qualities.

• Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil when searing scallops?

Yes, the combination helps achieve higher cooking temperatures and prevents burning. Butter adds rich flavor, while olive oil raises the smoke point for perfect golden searing.

Why These Scallop Bowls Stand Out

• Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills, creating an impressive meal that looks and tastes sophisticated.
• Prepare a decadent seafood dinner in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy professionals wanting a high-end culinary experience without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients or adding personal touches like different herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan, making it versatile for various taste preferences.
• Elevate your home cooking with a visually stunning and flavorful dish that looks like it was crafted by a professional chef, guaranteed to wow friends and family.

What You’ll Need for Scallop Bowls with Asparagus

• Scallops: Fresh and tender ocean delicacy for the main protein.

• Asparagus: Green vegetable with crisp texture for roasting.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer for the sauce.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Rich and smooth cooking fats for searing and roasting.
• Cream: Smooth base for creating a luxurious sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element to balance the rich sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor.

• Fresh Herbs: Green finishing touch for added aroma and visual appeal.

How to Make Seared Scallop Bowls Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Roasted Asparagus

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400°F.

Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast until they’re tender and slightly crispy, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 2: Dry and Season Scallops

Grab paper towels and gently pat scallops until completely dry.

Season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Lemon Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Pour in cream and a splash of fresh lemon juice.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Sear Scallops to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet with butter and a touch of olive oil.

Once smoking hot, carefully place scallops in the pan.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Assemble Elegant Bowls

Ladle the creamy sauce into serving bowls.

Nestle roasted asparagus alongside the scallops.

Arrange the perfectly seared scallops on top of the asparagus.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the dish for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Tricks for Great Seared Scallops and Sauce

• Use paper towels to absorb maximum moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown sear with crispy exterior.
• Watch cooking time closely to maintain crisp texture and prevent overcooking, preserving bright green color and tender-crisp bite.
• Simmer cream sauce slowly, stirring continuously to prevent burning and achieve smooth, rich thickness without separating.
• Use high heat and don't overcrowd pan to create restaurant-quality caramelization, cooking only 2-3 minutes per side for tender, translucent center.
• Choose fresh herbs like chives or parsley to add brightness and complement delicate seafood flavor, enhancing overall dish presentation.

Store and Reheat Scallop Bowls the Smart Way

• Store leftover scallops and asparagus in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Place scallops and asparagus on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
• Gently reheat scallops in a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes. Turn carefully to prevent breaking delicate seafood.
• Store cream sauce separately in a sealed container. Warm slowly in a saucepan, whisking to restore original consistency and prevent separation.

Seared Scallop Bowls with Asparagus & Creamy Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent Seared Scallop Bowls bring Mediterranean coastal charm directly to kitchen tables with elegant seafood and fresh asparagus. Rich creamy sauce and perfectly caramelized scallops promise you a restaurant-quality meal that elevates simple ingredients into culinary art.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 g) sea scallops (dry-packed)

Vegetables:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter (divided)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chopped fresh chives or parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare asparagus by tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until tender and slightly crisp.
2. Thoroughly dry scallops using paper towels, then season with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
3. Create a creamy sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic, then incorporate cream and lemon juice. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce reaches a luxurious, thickened consistency.
4. Heat a skillet with remaining butter and a touch of olive oil. Carefully sear scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, achieving a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a delicate, tender center.
5. Assemble the dish by spreading the velvety sauce across serving bowls. Arrange roasted asparagus as a vibrant base and crown with perfectly seared scallops.
6. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling fresh herbs over the dish. Serve immediately to preserve the optimal temperature and texture of the ingredients.

Notes

• Ensure scallops are patted completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear without steaming.
• Use fresh, high-quality scallops for the most delicate and sweet flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free option, replace cream with coconut milk or dairy-free alternative.
• Keep cooking times precise to prevent overcooking scallops, which can become rubbery and tough.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 641
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 49 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 159 mg