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