Seared Scallops and Lemon Parmesan Risotto

Forget the crowded restaurants and overpriced prix-fixe menus. This Valentine’s Day, create a luxury dining experience at home with these Seared Scallops & Lemon Parmesan Risotto. This culinary love letter is more than just a meal; it’s a symphony of flavors, textures, and pure romance served up on a plate.

Ok, I’ll let you go read the recipe –  and please – read the full recipe before even beginning. The key to gorgeously seared scallops is a CAST IRON PAN + BUTTER + DO NOT MOVE THE SCALLOPS + HIGH HEAT. With this formula, you can be sure to get the perfect sear. Here’s a Scallop FAQ:

• Can I use a different type of pan? Yeah, sure but I can’t assure the perfect sear. Nonstick is common, but not my favorite. Ceramic, stainless steel? Give it a try and show me your scallops!
• Can I use oil? Yeah, sure but I can’t assure you the perfect sear. Plus the butter gives it great flavor!
• Will the butter burn? No, because you’re literally doing this for a maximum of five minutes total. Will it turn into brown butter? Probably and that’s extra flavor.
• Can I cook a dozen scallops at a time? No, because you’ll overcrowd the pan, the temperature will drop, and the scallops around the edges of your pan won’t be as nicely seared. But this was just for my husband and I, I literally cooked four scallops at a time.
• Can I pat my scallops dry? Yes, but I didn’t? I know a ton of chefs recommend this but mine weren’t very “wet” so maybe yes, pat them down if they seem wet.

INGREDIENTS

for the risotto:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ medium yellow onion diced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3.5-4 cups stock
• ¾ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
• 1/4-1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream mascarpone, or creme fraiche
• ½ lemon zested
• salt and pepper to taste

for the scallops:

• 1 pound scallops muscle removed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ lemon juiced
• ½ cup white wine
• salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a deep saucepan, start over medium heat with the butter, onion, and garlic.
2. In a separate pot, heat up the stock – you can use chicken or vegetable stock, or seafood stock if you really want to!
3. Cook the onions/garlic for about ten minutes, until aromatic. Add the rice and reduce the heat to low. Make sure the rice is coated in the butter, onions, and garlic.
4. For the next 30-40 minutes, you’ll do the following steps on repeat: add 1/2 cup hot stock to the rice, stir, and let the stock absorb completely before adding the next installment of stock. Continue to do so for 25 minutes and at this point, start tasting the rice for doneness as well as get ready to cook your scallops by heating up a cast-iron pan with the butter.
5. You do not want mushy rice, you’re looking for a bit of a bite when you chew the rice. Continue until the rice is cooked to your liking – you might not use all the stock and that’s okay.
6. Over the same low heat, add the milk, parmesan, sour cream, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir and taste – add more salt if needed. Take off the heat, cover and quickly turn your attention to the scallops.
7. The cast iron pan should be heated over medium high heat. Drop each scallop and DO NOT MOVE for 3.5 – 4 minutes, depending on size. They will sizzle loudly. After 4 minutes (for large scallops), add the lemon juice, white white, and salt and pepper. Turn heat off, remove the pan from heat source, and flip so they continue cooking on the other side.
8. Be prepared to serve immediately alongside risotto, pour the lemon wine butter over scallops and enjoy!

DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE? I want to see it! take a photo, and tag me in it. I love to know what you are making and how you made this recipe your own!