Scallops With White Butter Sauce
This dish transforms simple scallops into a luxurious meal using a classic French beurre blanc technique. The scallops are gently poached in white wine and lemon to retain their sweetness and tenderness, then served over crisp, blanched snow peas or green beans. The star is the sauce: a rich, glossy emulsion of reduced wine and whipped butter that coats the seafood in pure decadence. It’s surprisingly quick to make yet impressive enough for date night or a special celebration. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the butter, while the fresh herbs add a final aromatic touch. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Description
This dish transforms simple scallops into a luxurious meal using a classic French beurre blanc technique. The scallops are gently poached in white wine and lemon to retain their sweetness and tenderness, then served over crisp, blanched snow peas or green beans. The star is the sauce: a rich, glossy emulsion of reduced wine and whipped butter that coats the seafood in pure decadence. It’s surprisingly quick to make yet impressive enough for date night or a special celebration. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the butter, while the fresh herbs add a final aromatic touch. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 750 scallops, cleaned and dried
- 1 white wine
- 1 lemon juice
- 90 snow peas, strings removed
- 1 chopped green onion
- 125 butter, cut into small pieces and cold
- 1 salt
- 1 freshly ground black pepper
- 1 chives, chopped for garnish
Directions
- 1 Clean the scallops by removing any tough beards and the red roe (if present). Rinse briefly and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- 2
In a medium saucepan, combine the white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.- 3
Lower the scallops into the simmering wine mixture. Poach gently for about 2 minutes, or until just opaque and cooked through. Remove scallops with a slotted spoon and set aside on a warm plate.- 4
While scallops poach, blanch the snow peas (or green beans) in boiling salted water for 1 minute. Drain and refresh under cold water if desired, then set aside.- 5
Add the chopped green onion to the remaining poaching liquid in the saucepan. Increase heat slightly and reduce the liquid by half, until about 1/2 cup remains.- 6
Reduce the heat to low. Begin whisking the cold butter pieces into the reduced liquid, one piece at a time, allowing each to fully emulsify before adding the next. Continue until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and has the consistency of pouring cream. Do not let the sauce boil.- 7
Spoon the warm scallops and vegetables onto serving plates. Pour the white butter sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.NoteEnsure the butter is cold before adding it to the sauce to help create a stable emulsion.
If the sauce breaks or becomes too oily, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to bring it back together.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
For best results, use dry-packed scallops rather than wet-packed ones for better texture.
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