How to Cook Sea Scallops With Garlic Sauce

Fresh sea scallops are easy to cook for any occasion. This simple method infuses the delicate scallops with a hint of garlic and herbs, along with the richness of clarified butter and a bit of red wine. Quick but elegant, this dish is perfect for a romantic supper or weekend guests.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Heat a saute pan over medium heat. Add clarified butter and two cloves of fresh, minced garlic.
2. Add dried basil, thyme and dill to the hot butter and garlic. Add the sea scallops to the pan as soon as the herbs begin to bloom. Adjust the heat to maintain an even temperature.
3. Keep the pan moving so that the scallops to avoid burning them. Use a fish spatula to turn each scallop so that it turns golden around the edges.
4. Cook the scallops for about 3 minutes on each side until they are nearly cook through as the garlic begins to turn golden brown. Monitor the heat closely so that the herbs retain their green color.
5. Deglaze the pan with one-half cup of Vino Verde or any low acid red wine. Select a mild flavor wine to avoid competing with the flavor of the scallops. Move the pan to swirl the wine around to pick up the bits of herbs and garlic.
6. Continue to cook the scallops while the wine reduces. Remove the scallops from the heat after a total of 8 or 9 minutes cooking time.
7. Serve the scallops with garlic sauce over a bed of rice or couscous. Add a wedge of lemon.