Seared Scallops with Cauliflower, Brown Butter, and Basil
Features: Scallops
Cooking Technique: Skillet
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 10-15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small head cauliflower (1 lb.), trimmed and cut into bite-size florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 lb. all-natural (dry-packed) sea scallops
- 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 1/2 cup dry vermouth
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 large fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Add the cauliflower and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add the remaining 2 Tbs. oil to the skillet. When shimmering hot, add the scallops in a single layer. Cook until golden-brown, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until the scallops are barely cooked through, about 2 minutes more (if you cut into one, it should still be slightly translucent in the center). Transfer to another bowl.
- Swirl the butter into the skillet, add the shallot and cook, stirring often, until the shallot softens and the butter begins to brown, about 1 minute.
- Add the vermouth and bring it to a boil, scraping up any bits on the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Return the cauliflower to the skillet and season with 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring once or twice, until the cauliflower florets are tender, about 6 minutes.
- Return the scallops to the pan and toss to heat through, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat, sprinkle with the basil, and serve.
