Lemon, Caper, Butter Scallops with Orzo from J&R Seafood Market
From J&R Seafood Market in Stonington, this recipe embraces local seafood, it’s an easy weeknight dinner
that’s fancy enough for weekend company.
Lemon, Caper, Butter
Scallops with Orzo
Serves 4
From J&R Seafood Market in Mystic, this recipe embraces local seafood, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s fancy enough for weekend company.
Ingredients
15 scallops
1/2 lb orzo pasta
1/2 stick butter
3 shallots, minced
6 large cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons capers, drained
2 lemons
1/4 cup white cooking wine (or vegetable stock)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Zesty micro greens, optional
Instructions
Rinse the scallops and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper to preference (I suggest about a teaspoon of each).
Bring a large skillet or cast iron to medium heat.
In a separate pot, cook pasta according to instructions.
When the skillet is heated, add 1/4 cup of butter. Once melted, roll around the skillet to coat.
Place the flat sides of the scallops in the pan, giving about 2 inches of space between each. (Cook in multiple batches if needed). This will prevent overcrowding and steaming.
Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Refrain from poking and moving. If you want the golden hue let it do its thing, uninterrupted, in peace and harmony, haha! A good indicator for when it is ready to flip is when the scallops begin to pull away from the pan and caramelize around the edges.
When ready, flip and let sear for an additional minute. Afterwards, remove from the pan and set aside on a plate. Repeat with remaining scallops.
Next, add the remaining butter and the minced shallots. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until it begins to caramelize.
Toss in the minced garlic and capers, then zest the 2 lemons over the shallots. Cook for another minute or so.
Afterwards, reduce heat to low then deglaze the pan by pouring the cooking wine (or vegetable stock) over the mixture. Gently scrub and stir with your cooking utensil until most, if not all, is loosened from the pan.
By now the pasta should be finished and drained. Stir the orzo into the shallot garlic mixture until well incorporated. Turn off heat.
Finally! Scoop the orzo onto a plate, layer with cooked scallops, garnish with micro greens and season with pepper according to preference. Share, serve and enjoy!
J & R Seafood Market
Started in 2016 by two local Borough lobstermen who were tired of low-quality and very overpriced seafood products, we set out on a mission to deliver fresh, high quality seafood at an affordable price. Our mission is to bring fresh, local seafood right to your door. Delivered in 48 hours or less.
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