Description
Elegant Scallops with Vodka Cream Sauce is a quick and delicious seafood dish that combines the rich flavors of scallops with a creamy vodka sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound sea scallops: Fresh or thawed, patted dry.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For richness.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced, for aromatic flavor.
- 1/4 cup vodka: For depth and flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For a creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For added richness and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, for a hint of heat.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
- Pat Dry: Ensure the scallops are thoroughly patted dry with paper towels to achieve a nice sear.
- Season: Season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add Scallops: Carefully add the scallops to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip and Cook: Flip the scallops and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are opaque and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Sauté Garlic: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Vodka: Carefully pour in 1/4 cup of vodka, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in Cream: Add 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return Scallops: Gently return the seared scallops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat.
- Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta or crusty bread.
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: scallops, vodka cream sauce, seafood, elegant dinner