Seared Scallops with Cauliflower, Brown Butter, and Basil

Seared Scallops with Cauliflower, Brown Butter, and Basil
Features: Scallops
Serves: 4
Cook Technique: Skillet
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 10-15 minutes
Source: Fine Cooking

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Return the scallops to the pan and toss to heat through, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat, sprinkle with the basil, and serve.