Quick Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Polenta Recipe

Delicate seafood meets creamy comfort in this scallops with herb brown butter over polenta culinary delight.

Tender sea scallops sear to golden perfection, releasing a rich, buttery aroma that promises pure indulgence.

The herb-infused brown butter cascades over silky smooth polenta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Each bite offers a luxurious experience that balances delicate marine sweetness with earthy herb notes.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate the simplicity of this elegant dish.

Smooth polenta serves as the perfect canvas for these perfectly caramelized scallops.

Your dinner table is about to become a gourmet destination with this irresistible recipe.

Why Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Polenta Impress

• Craft Gourmet Elegance: Elevate your home cooking with restaurant-quality scallops and creamy polenta that look and taste professionally prepared.
• Master Impressive Technique: Learn to perfectly sear scallops and create brown butter sauce, developing advanced culinary skills with simple steps.
• Quick Protein Powerhouse: Deliver a nutritious meal packed with lean protein and delicious flavors that feels luxurious yet takes minimal preparation effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap herbs or adjust seasoning to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different palates and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Scallops with Brown Butter and Polenta

• Polenta: A creamy Italian cornmeal dish that serves as the smooth foundation for the scallops.
• Scallops: Delicate and tender seafood that provides a rich, buttery protein centerpiece.
• Water: Essential liquid for cooking the polenta to a perfect creamy consistency.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of scallops and polenta.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a luxurious brown butter sauce with herbs.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, tangy element to balance the rich butter sauce.

• Herbs: Fresh herbs that infuse the brown butter with aromatic complexity.
• Cooking Oil: Helps achieve a perfect golden sear on the scallops without sticking.

How to Cook Scallops with Herb Brown Butter

Step 1: Create Creamy Polenta Base

In a large pot, whisk polenta into water and bring to a boil over high heat.

Stir constantly to avoid lumps.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently until the polenta thickens and pulls away from the pot sides, about 45-50 minutes.

Fold in butter and salt, then adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 2: Perfectly Sear Scallops

Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.

Heat oil in a skillet over high heat until very hot.

Add scallops without overcrowding and sear for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Craft Herb Brown Butter Sauce

Lower the skillet heat to medium-low.

Add butter and fresh herbs, cooking until the butter turns nutty and brown, about 1-2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Spread creamy polenta on plates.

Arrange seared scallops on top.

Drizzle herb brown butter sauce generously over the dish.

Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Scallops over Polenta

• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown sear and preventing steaming.
• Whisk constantly during cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a creamy, smooth texture.
• Use a hot skillet for scallops to create a crispy, caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender inside.
• Watch butter carefully while browning to develop a nutty flavor without burning, swirling the pan for even coloration.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives to personalize the brown butter sauce and enhance overall flavor profile.

Flavor Variations for Scallops with Polenta

• Gluten-Free Polenta Base: Replace traditional polenta with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Vegan Seafood Option: Substitute scallops with king oyster mushrooms, sliced and seared to mimic the texture of scallops, using plant-based butter for the sauce.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap herbs to include oregano and thyme for a Greek-style flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Coat scallops in blackened seasoning, use cayenne pepper in the butter sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions for a New Orleans-inspired dish.

Serving Ideas for Scallops with Brown Butter

• Coastal Dinner Date Night: Pair this elegant dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the delicate scallop flavors.
• Elegant Plating Technique: Spread creamy polenta as a base, carefully arrange golden-seared scallops on top, and drizzle herb brown butter in artistic swirls for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Herbal Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the dish for added color, brightness, and a subtle fresh flavor that enhances the herb brown butter's richness.
• Side Vegetable Companion: Serve with roasted asparagus or a light arugula salad to balance the richness of the scallops and provide a fresh, green contrast to the creamy polenta.

How to Store Scallops with Herb Brown Butter

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, separating scallops and polenta, for up to 2 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap scallops and polenta separately in freezer-safe containers, consuming within 1 month for best quality, avoiding freezing the brown butter sauce.
• Warm gently in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to restore creamy texture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Warm quickly in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, avoiding overcooking to prevent rubbery texture, drizzling with fresh brown butter sauce just before serving.

FAQs

• How do I know when my scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown crust on each side and a slightly translucent center. They should feel firm but still tender when pressed, typically taking about 3 minutes per side.

• Can I substitute herbs in the brown butter sauce?

Absolutely! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives work wonderfully. Just ensure you’re using fresh herbs for the best flavor profile.

• What's the secret to preventing lumpy polenta?

Whisk constantly during the initial boiling phase and continue stirring frequently while it simmers. This breaks up potential clumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Polenta Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent scallops with herb brown butter dance atop creamy polenta, creating a luxurious coastal culinary experience. Mediterranean flavors and silky textures invite you to savor each elegant, perfectly balanced bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 fresh sea scallops
• 1 cup dried polenta (not instant)
• 5 cups water

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 4–5 sprigs Italian herbs (oregano, parsley, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/4 lemon

Dairy and Fat:

• 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and combine polenta with water, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil while whisking continuously to prevent clumping.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing polenta to simmer and thicken, stirring frequently until the mixture pulls away from pot sides, approximately 45-50 minutes.
3. Incorporate butter into the polenta, seasoning with salt and adjusting flavor to personal preference.
4. Pat scallops completely dry using paper towels, then season with salt and pepper on both surfaces.
5. Heat a skillet to high temperature, adding oil to create a searing environment for the scallops.
6. Carefully place scallops into hot skillet, searing each side for roughly 3 minutes until golden brown and achieving desired internal doneness.
7. Remove scallops from skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
8. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low, adding remaining butter and fresh herbs to create a fragrant brown butter sauce.
9. Cook butter until it develops a rich, nutty aroma and transforms to a golden brown color, approximately 1-2 minutes.
10. Immediately remove skillet from heat and introduce fresh lemon juice to halt cooking process.
11. Plate polenta as a creamy base, arrange seared scallops on top, and generously drizzle with herb-infused brown butter sauce.

Notes

• Whisk constantly during initial cooking to prevent stubborn lumps from forming and ensure a silky, smooth texture.
• Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to achieve a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Watch butter carefully when browning to prevent burning; look for a nutty aroma and light golden color for maximum flavor complexity.
• Swap butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version, or use cauliflower puree instead of polenta for a low-carb alternative that still provides a creamy base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 456 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg