Imagine a dish so elegant and delectable that it transforms your home kitchen into a gourmet restaurant experience. These seared diver sea scallops are not just a meal; they're a culinary adventure that combines the delicate sweetness of perfectly caramelized scallops with the earthy richness of oyster mushrooms and the fresh, vibrant touch of baby spinach. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or looking to elevate your cooking skills, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-worthy dish that will leave your guests absolutely speechless.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 diver sea scallops
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup oyster mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove scallops from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels. Moisture prevents proper searing, so ensure they are completely dry.
- Season scallops generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large stainless steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to become shimmering hot.
- Carefully place scallops in the hot pan, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows proper caramelization.
- Sear scallops for approximately 2-3 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip scallops gently and add minced garlic to the pan. Sear for an additional 1-2 minutes on the second side.
- In a separate pan, quickly sauté oyster mushrooms until they are lightly browned and tender.
- Remove scallops from heat and let rest for 1 minute.
- In the same pan, quickly wilt baby spinach with remaining garlic, cooking for 30-45 seconds.
- Plate by arranging spinach as a base, top with seared scallops, and garnish with sautéed oyster mushrooms.
- Serve immediately while scallops are warm and spinach is fresh.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always allow scallops to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even searing.
- Dryness Matters: Use paper towels to meticulously dry scallops. Moisture is the enemy of a perfect golden crust.
- Use the Right Pan: A stainless steel or cast-iron skillet is crucial for achieving that beautiful caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between scallops in the pan to prevent steaming and ensure proper browning.
- Watch the Timing: Scallops cook quickly. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
- High Heat is Essential: A medium-high heat creates the perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Rest and Serve Immediately: Let scallops rest briefly after cooking, but serve while they're still warm for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 45mg
