The Quick Bourbon Jalapeño Cream Sauce Sea Scallops Recipe

Sea scallops dance with bold, unexpected flavors in this tantalizing bourbon jalapeño cream sauce.

Luxurious maritime proteins demand sophisticated culinary treatments that elevate their delicate essence.

Rich, complex ingredients upgrade ordinary seafood into an extraordinary dining experience.

Soft, tender scallops absorb the spirited bourbon warm undertones while jalapeños introduce a vibrant, spicy kick.

Creamy textures complement the shellfish’s natural sweetness, creating harmonious flavor interactions that surprise and delight.

Professional chefs understand how strategic ingredient combinations can completely reimagine classic protein preparations.

Culinary enthusiasts appreciate recipes that challenge traditional cooking boundaries and spark sensory excitement.

Ingredients for Scallops in Spicy Bourbon Cream

• Sea Scallops: Sweet, delicate shellfish that serves as the star protein with a tender texture and mild ocean flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Rich cooking fats that help sear scallops and create a golden brown exterior with smooth, rich flavor notes.

• Garlic, Jalapeno: Zesty ingredients that provide deep flavor complexity and subtle heat to the bourbon cream sauce.

• Bourbon, Heavy Whipping Cream: Luxurious liquids that create a rich, smooth sauce with depth of flavor and creamy consistency.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and highlight the natural taste of scallops and sauce.

• Fresh Cilantro, Lemon Juice: Bright, fresh elements that add a final layer of flavor and help cut through the richness of the cream sauce.

Steps to Cook Sea Scallops with Bold Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Scallops

• Pat sea scallops dry with paper towels
• Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of scallops
• Let scallops sit at room temperature for 10 minutes

Step 2: Sear Scallops to Golden Perfection

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
• Carefully place scallops in hot pan
• Add butter and fresh lemon juice
• Cook scallops for 2-3 minutes on first side until golden brown
• Flip scallops and cook additional 2-3 minutes
• Remove scallops from pan and set aside on warm plate

Step 3: Create Bourbon Jalapeno Cream Sauce

• Saute garlic and jalapenos in same skillet for 2 minutes
• Pour bourbon and stir, allowing alcohol to reduce
• Add heavy cream and bring to gentle simmer
• Stir in butter, salt, and pepper
• Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened

Step 4: Plate and Serve

• Drizzle cream sauce over cooked scallops
• Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro
• Serve immediately while hot

Techniques for Creamy Sauce with a Kick

• Select Premium Scallops: Choose large, fresh sea scallops with a firm, slightly translucent appearance and minimal moisture for the best searing results.
• Master the Perfect Sear: Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Control Heat Precisely: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and maintain medium-high heat to create a beautiful caramelized exterior without overcooking the delicate scallop meat.
• Balance Spice Carefully: Remove jalapeno seeds for a milder sauce or keep them for extra heat; taste and adjust the spice level to your preference.
• Quick Sauce Management: Simmer the bourbon cream sauce briefly to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, rich consistency that complements the scallops perfectly.

Tips on Preserving and Reheating Scallop Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer scallops and sauce to an airtight container, keeping them separate. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Reheat Gently: Warm scallops in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream to prevent drying. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning once to ensure even heating.
• Avoid Microwave: Microwaving can make scallops tough and rubbery. If using, heat in short 15-second intervals at 50% power, checking frequently to preserve tenderness.

Perfect Pairings for Jalapeno Cream Scallops

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the bourbon cream sauce, complementing the delicate scallops with its bright, zesty notes.
• Match with Aged Bourbon Cocktail: Create a sophisticated bourbon old fashioned that echoes the sauce's bourbon base, enhancing the dish's depth and smoky undertones.
• Serve with Citrus-Herb Salad: A light, tangy salad with fresh cilantro, lemon segments, and a mild vinaigrette balances the creamy sauce and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich scallops.
• Accompany with Roasted Asparagus: Grilled or roasted asparagus spears with a touch of sea salt offer a perfect vegetable side that doesn't overpower the delicate seafood flavor.

Flavor Switch-Ups for Sea Scallops Dishes

• Spicy Tequila Kick: Replace bourbon with tequila for a zesty Mexican-inspired variation. Add a splash of lime juice and use serrano peppers instead of jalapenos for extra heat.
• Coconut Rum Fusion: Swap bourbon for coconut rum and incorporate coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Include diced mango for a tropical flavor profile that complements the scallops.
• Whiskey Maple Glaze: Use whiskey in place of bourbon and add a tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the cream sauce. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top for a rich, nutty finish that elevates the dish's complexity.
• Smoky Mezcal Transformation: Substitute bourbon with mezcal for a deep, smoky undertone. Roast the jalapenos before dicing to intensify their flavor and add a charred element to the cream sauce.

Why Sea Scallops in Bourbon Jalapeno Sauce Stand Out

• Savor Bold Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines the delicate sweetness of sea scallops with a daring bourbon jalapeno cream sauce that delivers an explosive taste experience. Each bite blends rich, creamy textures with a spicy kick that awakens your taste buds.
• Master Restaurant-Quality Cooking at Home: The technique of perfectly searing scallops and creating a complex sauce allows home cooks to elevate their culinary skills. With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you can produce a gourmet meal that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated.
• Customize Heat and Complexity: The recipe offers flexibility with jalapenos, letting you control the spice level by adjusting the amount of pepper. The bourbon adds depth and complexity, creating a sauce that's both luxurious and exciting without overwhelming the delicate scallop flavor.
• Impress Dinner Guests Effortlessly: This elegant dish appears complicated but requires minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking methods. It's perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you want to showcase your culinary prowess with minimal effort.

Sea Scallops in Bourbon Jalapeno Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent sea scallops swim in a rich bourbon jalapeño cream sauce, offering a perfect balance of bold Southern flavors. Creamy, spicy, and luxurious, this dish promises to elevate your dinner experience with its sophisticated blend of heat and smoothness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 12 sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry

Cooking Fats and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter, cubed
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.5 tablespoons (7.5 milliliters) lemon juice
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely diced
• 0.5 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) bourbon whiskey
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 0.33 cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed and chopped

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Instructions

1. Meticulously pat dry sea scallops to ensure optimal searing potential, then generously season both surfaces with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
2. Position a large skillet over medium-high heat and introduce olive oil, allowing it to become shimmering hot.
3. Carefully place seasoned scallops into the scorching pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded to achieve perfect golden caramelization.
4. Introduce a knob of butter and a splash of lemon juice while the first side cooks, creating a rich, tangy glaze.
5. Sear each scallop approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous amber crust and translucent center.
6. Transfer perfectly cooked scallops to a warm plate, preserving their delicate texture.
7. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and add fresh olive oil to create sauce foundation.
8. Gently sweat minced garlic and finely diced jalapenos, releasing their aromatic essential oils until softened and fragrant.
9. Deglaze the pan with bourbon, allowing alcohol to reduce and concentrate its complex flavors.
10. Pour in luxurious heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety consistency.
11. Incorporate butter, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper, and let sauce gently simmer until slightly thickened.
12. Cascade bourbon jalapeno cream sauce elegantly over seared scallops.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Perfectly sear scallops by ensuring the pan is hot and using high heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without overcooking.
• Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops and pat them dry before seasoning to help create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
• Bourbon adds depth and complexity to the cream sauce, while jalapeños provide a subtle kick of heat that complements the delicate scallops.
• Watch the sauce carefully during simmering to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
• Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the scallops at their most tender and the sauce at its creamiest consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 120mg