Pan-Seared Sea Scallops

If you are a regular on my blog, you know I really enjoy seafood. One of my most favorites is sea scallops. If you can get them as fresh as can be, they are tender and delicious. When you pan-sear the scallops they develop a flavorful crust and remain moist on the inside. It is so simple and takes no skill at all, I promise. If you are having friends over for dinner, I promise this is one dish that is sure to impress and have everyone leaving with a happy and full stomach.

Recipe yields 4 servings

Ingredients 

1 lb fresh sea scallops

1 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Salt & freshly ground black pepper

Pat the scallops dry with a towel so there is no moisture. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the butter and oil in a skillet and when steaming, add the scallops. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving. If you let them be, a nice crisp, brown crust will form.

Flip over the scallops and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes so that the scallops are cooked through and a brown crust has formed on the bottom side.

Remove to a serving plate and enjoy! So simple and so delicious.

Baked Sea Scallops

It is a tradition in my family to have a seafood feast every Christmas Eve. From shrimp to scallops and crabs to clams, we cover it all. One of my favorites of the night are the baked sea scallops. My Nanny has practically perfected these and I would argue she could top anyone out there. The recipe is simple and nothing to fussy, but the secret to these delectable bites is easy - get your hands on the freshest and most plump sea scallops you can find!

Recipe yields 5-6 servings (yielding 2-3 pieces per person)

Ingredients
15 fresh, large sea scallops
8 cloves garlic
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
3 tbsp parsley
1/4 cup olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, add finely chopped garlic.

Mix in breadcrumbs and parsley.

Add olive oil to the mixture and stir until crumbly.

Arrange scallops in a baking dish and add a handful of crumbled mixture on top of each piece.

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 8 minutes on the middle rack. Switch the temperature to max broil and place the dish on the top rack under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just to get the tops nice and brown and crispy.

Serve alongside your Christmas Eve feast, or treat yourself to something special any night of the week. Enjoy!