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Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 21 reviews

Delight in the exquisite flavors of Lemon Butter Scallops served over creamy Parmesan Risotto. This dish is a perfect harmony of tender scallops, earthy mushrooms, and savory risotto, all brought together with a bright lemon butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Risotto:

  • 12–16 jumbo sea scallops, side muscle removed
  • 2 cups mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed, and cut into 1/2- to 1-inch pieces (shiitake, baby bella, chanterelle, white, or oyster are good)
  • 5–6 cups hot chicken broth (or vegetable stock)
  • 1 cup arborio or carnaroli rice
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, always use freshly grated
  • 1–2 shallots, minced
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Oil for cooking

For the Lemon Butter Scallops:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  • Juice of half a lemon, squeezed

Instructions

  1. For the Risotto: Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic. Simmer until softened, 1-2 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 1-2 additional minutes.
  2. Add risotto and stir for 1 minute. Add the white wine and simmer for an additional minute. Add hot chicken broth to the pan ½ cup at a time, stirring after each addition. Allow the risotto to absorb 2/3 of the broth before each addition. Continue until soft and creamy, about 20 minutes. Note, the chicken broth will absorb in about 2 minutes or so after each addition.
  3. Season generously with salt and pepper and stir in Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Divide and transfer to bowls when ready to serve.
  4. For the Scallops: Rinse scallops under cool water and remove the side muscle if still intact. Pat scallops as dry as possible using two sheets of paper towel or a clean dish towel. Season all over with salt and pepper. Mince the parsley and garlic and set aside.
  5. Add the oil to a 12-inch cast iron skillet and bring to high heat. Once the skillet is hot and starts to smoke, add the scallops to the pan and sear for 2 minutes per side, undisturbed, or until a golden brown crust forms. It helps to arrange the scallops around the perimeter of the pan if possible as it’s usually the hottest part of the pan.
  6. Remove scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Remove the skillet from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Give the pan a quick wipe if you prefer. Add the butter, lemon, and fresh parsley to the skillet, stirring occasionally until fully melted. Cook on low heat if needed.
  7. Return the scallops to the skillet on low heat and cook for an additional 30-90 seconds. Use a spoon to spoon the butter over the scallops. Divide scallops and serve over risotto in a bowl and drizzle with extra lemon butter sauce as desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure the scallops are thoroughly dried before searing for a better crust.
  • Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Butter Scallops, Parmesan Risotto, Seafood, Italian, Dinner

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/lemon-butter-scallops-over-parmesan-risotto-recipe/