Cooking is one of life’s greatest comforts, and there’s nothing quite like the experience of stepping into your kitchen and creating a dish that feels luxurious yet approachable. Today, I invite you to try a special recipe that embodies this idea: Seared Scallops with Lemon Risotto and Crispy Prosciutto. This dish is not just about eating; it’s about savoring each bite, surrounded by the warmth of your home.
This remarkable dish combines perfectly seared scallops, bright lemon, and creamy risotto, with a satisfying crunch from crispy prosciutto. The delicate flavor of the scallops is enhanced by a simple mix of butter and garlic, while the risotto is elevated by zesty lemon juice, rich Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Together, these components create a symphony of flavors: the richness of the butter, the brightness of the lemon, and the savory crunch of prosciutto, all marrying beautifully for a delicious experience.
The method is straightforward and rewarding. First, start by searing the scallops until they are golden brown on both sides, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes a side. Meanwhile, prepare the risotto in another pot, stirring in the rice, broth, and butter slowly until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Finish by incorporating the lemon juice and Parmesan for creaminess. Finally, serve the risotto topped with seared scallops and crispy prosciutto, garnished with chives for a burst of color and flavor.
This dish is wonderful for a variety of occasions, whether you’re cooking for your family on a cozy evening or impressing guests at a dinner party. It’s a versatile meal that just feels special—perfect for chilly nights or celebratory gatherings, it’s bound to bring joy to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Seared Scallops with Lemon Risotto & Crispy Prosciutto
- Quick to Prepare: In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe requires just a few common ingredients, making it easy for anyone to create while still delivering incredible flavors.
- Comfort Food with Style: It brings together the warmth of comfort food with an elegant twist, elevating any dining experience.
- Flavorful and Zesty: The bright flavors of lemon and sumptuous scallops pair beautifully, while crispy prosciutto adds a delightful crunch.
- Impressive Presentation: Your dish will not only taste great, but it will also look stunning when served, making it perfect for special occasions.
Scallops Tips
When preparing scallops, quality is essential. Look for fresh scallops with a sweet aroma and a firm texture. If you’re buying them from a market, choose dry scallops when possible, as they are not treated with preservatives and will sear better, resulting in a nice caramelized crust. If sourced correctly, they only need to be seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking, allowing their natural flavors to shine through. Patting them dry before cooking is also crucial, as moisture can prevent them from browning properly.
Options for Substitutions
- Shrimp: Swap scallops for shrimp for a similar taste and texture.
- Arborio Rice Alternatives: For a lighter option, try using quinoa or farro in place of risotto rice.
- Vegetable Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a dairy-free alternative to Parmesan, sprinkle some nutritional yeast over the risotto.
- Turkey Bacon: You can substitute crispy prosciutto with turkey bacon to make it slightly healthier.
- Dried Herbs: If chives aren’t available, consider using parsley or basil to garnish.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common pitfall when searing scallops is overcrowding the pan. If you place too many scallops in at once, they will steam rather than sear, resulting in a lack of that desirable golden crust. It’s best to cook them in batches if necessary.
Another mistake is overcooking the risotto. Keep an eye on the texture as you stir in the broth; when the rice is creamy but still holds a slight bite—known as al dente—it’s ready for the lemon juice and Parmesan.
Don’t add lemon juice or cheese too early in the cooking process. Let the risotto absorb the broth completely before mixing these ingredients in, as this ensures maximum creaminess without curdling.
Finally, seasoning at the end can often be overlooked. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning of both the scallops and risotto right before serving to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
What to Serve With Seared Scallops with Lemon Risotto & Crispy Prosciutto?
To create a well-rounded meal, consider serving a light arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette, or a simple roasted vegetable medley with seasonal greens. Fresh, crusty bread works perfectly for soaking up any remaining risotto sauce, while a glass of crisp white wine can elevate the dining experience even further.
Storage Instructions
Store: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: While not ideal due to the nature of the scallops, if necessary, you can freeze the risotto for up to 2 months. However, seared scallops are best eaten immediately.
Reheat: To reheat, warm the risotto on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess. If reheating scallops, do so carefully in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-1000
- Protein: 40-60g
- Fat: 30-50g
- Carbohydrates: 80-100g
Ingredients
- Scallops
- Lemon juice
- Butter
- Garlic
- Risotto rice
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Crispy prosciutto
- Chives
- Salt
- Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper. This will help develop a nice crust while cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of butter. Carefully place the scallops in the skillet, ensuring they are not touching each other. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove them and keep warm.
Step 3: Start the Risotto
In another pot, melt some butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the risotto rice and cook for one minute, letting the grains become slightly translucent.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Gradually add warm chicken or vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. This step is critical for creating creamy risotto. Continue until the rice is al dente and creamy, which should take about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Finish the Risotto
Once the risotto is cooked, add fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well incorporated, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve
To serve, place a generous spoonful of risotto on each plate, top with seared scallops, and sprinkle crispy prosciutto on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives for a lovely presentation.
Conclusion
This recipe for Seared Scallops with Lemon Risotto and Crispy Prosciutto offers a delightful culinary experience that is both elegant and comforting. Every step is easy to follow, ensuring that even those new to cooking can achieve delicious results. I invite you to try this recipe and experience the joy of creating a truly wonderful meal at home. Share your feedback with me, and don’t forget to explore similar posts for more delightful dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before searing them for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
While this dish includes risotto, which is high in carbohydrates, you can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to make it more suitable for a low-carb diet.
Can I make the risotto ahead of time?
Risotto is best served fresh, but if you need to prepare it ahead, cook it until just al dente, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently, adding a little broth to help it regain creaminess, before serving.
Print
Seared Scallops with Lemon Risotto and Crispy Prosciutto
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A luxurious yet approachable dish combining perfectly seared scallops, bright lemon, and creamy risotto topped with crispy prosciutto.
Ingredients
- 1 lb scallops
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup risotto rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 slices crispy prosciutto
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add butter, and sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and keep warm.
- In another pot, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add risotto rice and cook for one minute, then gradually stir in broth until cooked al dente, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan until creamy.
- Serve risotto topped with scallops, crispy prosciutto, and chives.
Notes
Quality scallops are essential for the best flavor. Consider serving with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 150mg