Seared Scallops with Pancetta, Capers & Brown Butter Sauce
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Ingredients
9
Time
40m
Serves
2
No need to be intimidated by cooking scallops! You can easily sear them in a hot cast iron pan if you follow these recommendations. Saltiness from crispy pancetta and capers are delicious with a brown butter sauce poured on top.
Gluten-Free
Ingredients
3oz
Pancetta
1/2Tbsp
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1Tbsp
Capers
8
Large Sea Scallops
1/4tsp
Kosher Salt
1/8tsp
Black Pepper
1 1/2Tbsp
Unsalted Butter
1Tbsp
Lemon Juice
1/4cup
Fresh Parsley
Instructions
1
In a medium sized skillet over medium-low heat, add the pancetta and let it cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside. Wipe out the skillet.
2
In the same skillet, over medium heat, add the oil and then add the capers. Fry the capers until crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, then remove and set aside.
3
Ensure that the scallops are very dry and then season with salt and pepper right before cooking. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add a good splash more of oil to the skillet. Add the scallops and let them sear for 2 to 3 minutes, until a deep crust is formed. Then flip and cook for 1 minute longer. During the last 20 seconds, add the butter and lemon juice and stir until the butter is melted and starting to foam. Spoon this on the scallops to baste them.
4
Remove the scallops and set them on a plate to rest for one to two minutes.
5
Plate the scallops on a serving plate, top with pancetta and capers and drizzle the sauce from the pan on top. Garnish with parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
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More Recipes by Jaclyn Irwin
Toronto based Holistic Nutritionist, Jaclyn Irwin, aims to encourage women to end years of yo-yo dieting and develop a healthier relationship with food. As founder of Holistic Foodie, a food and lifestyle blog filled with delicious recipes, wellness tips and green beauty, she is blending her love of food with gentle nutrition and showing you how to enjoy both kale and cocktails.