Scallops are my favorite seafood – I really like their slightly sweet taste and crusty outside when sauteed. Restaurants often have them on their menus, but they are incredibly easy to cook at home.
One of the great things about cooking scallops is that they require very little prep and can be only your table in less than 15 minutes. To get that crusty brown crust that makes scallops so good, it is important to thoroughly dry them. Place the scallops (thawed, if frozen) on several layers of paper towels and place more paper towels on top. Let set a few minutes. Change paper towels about 3 times to absorb the moisture from the scallops.
Then just sprinkle the scallops with salt and pepper – how simple is that prep?
Heat your pan on medium-high and add a splash of olive oil. Add the scallops and brown on each side, first side will usually take 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook second side for about 1 minute, or until browned. Ready to eat! What other delicious protein can you cook for less than 5 minutes?
If making a sauce, remove the scallops and set aside.
In the hot skillet, add cream and Drambuie. Simmer and reduce the sauce to a medium consistency, add a tablespoon of butter and stir. Return the scallops to the pan to warm them up. Minced chives would be a pretty garnish. Easy fancy dinner!
If you want to try something new, this Drambuie Cream Sauce is amazing!
Drambuie Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 oz heavy cream
- 1 oz Drambuie, or 1/2 oz Drambuie and 1/2 oz Scotch
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Place heavy cream and Drambuie in a hot skillet (if you sauteed seafood or meat, you can use the same pan).
- Simmer over medium heat and reduce to a sauce consistency. Turn heat to low, add butter and stir. Place in small pitcher and serve sauce with the meal, or place the seafood or meat in the sauce in the pan just long enough to heat up. Enjoy
