Sautéed Peconic Bay Scallops For Valentines Day Recipes

SAUTEED BAY SCALLOPS WITH LEMON BUTTER

Steps:

• Choose a saute pan large enough to hold all of the scallops in one layer without overcrowding the pan or without them touching each other. Cook in batches if necessary. Heat the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter until nearly smoking. Add the scallops and do not move or shake pan, but allow the scallops to brown well on one side before tossing the pan to flip them or gently turning them with a spatula to cook the second side.
• Remove the scallops from the pan and place on a warm serving platter. Return the pan in which the scallops had been cooked to the fire, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sweet butter, and cook until the butter begins to turn a light brown color. When the butter has browned to a hazelnut color add the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
• Pour the classic lemon butter over the scallops, garnish with heart-shaped croutons and serve promptly.

BAY SCALLOPS WITH GARLIC PARSLEY BUTTER SAUCE

Steps:

• Spread 1/2 tablespoon butter on one side of each piece of toasted Italian bread. Set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. When oil begins to smoke, pour scallops into pan. Cook for 30 seconds without stirring.
• Toss scallops in pan and stir in garlic. Cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Stir wine and lemon juice into scallops, bring to a boil, and cook for about 30 seconds.
• Stir parsley and cold butter into scallops and remove from heat. When butter melts, stir in salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Spoon scallops over buttered toast and serve immediately.

PECONIC BAY SCALLOPS IN A LIGHT BROTH

Steps:

• Wash and trim any muscle clinging to the scallops.
• Peel and finely julienne the vegetables. Do not discard trimmings.
• Place scallop trimmings and vegetable trimmings in a saucepan with a few parsley stems, shallot trimmings and whole peppercorns. Add the light chicken stock and cook until you have reduced it to half. Add the heavy cream, simmer for a few minutes, strain and reserve until ready to cook the scallops.
• In a heavy skillet, place the julienned vegetables with the chopped shallots and the scallops and add the vermouth. Cover and steam. When the scallops are cooked - approximately two minutes - add the broth and bring to a simmer. Add chopped parsley and basil and serve in a deep soup bowl or casserole.

SAUTéED SCALLOPS WITH BROWN BUTTER AND PRESERVED LEMON

Steps:

• In a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook until the foam subsides and the butter solids turn a deep, nut brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the seeds from the preserved lemon and finely dice.
• Add the rosemary branches and chopped garlic to the butter and cook 30 seconds. Add the scallops, preserved lemon and a large pinch of salt. Lower the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring, until scallops are just opaque, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the scallops carry over off the heat for a few minutes.
• Season with additional salt, as needed, and pepper. Squeeze lemon juice over scallops and serve with chopped fresh herbs if you like.

BAY SCALLOPS WITH SPINACH AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and lemon zest and cook, stirring constantly, for 20 seconds. Add the spinach and toss from time to time until wilted. Drain off the liquid and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Keep warm.
• Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the scallops and sauté until just cooked through, about 1 minute. Remove the scallops from the pan and add the lemon juice and wine. Cook, scraping the bottom of the pan, for 15 seconds.
• Remove from heat, toss in the scallops and season with the remaining salt and pepper to taste. Place a mound of spinach in the center of 4 plates and surround with scallops. Serve immediately.