Smoked Paprika Scallops with Garlic & Lemon Butter Sauce

Seared Scallops and risotto at home? Yes, please! Here’s a simple seafood dish that feels like something straight from a fancy restaurant. Christin Singh, from Christin Creative Co., will walk you though this easy process to create this decadent dish. 

Serves 3

INGREDIENTS:

Seared Scallops:

• 1 lb fresh scallops
• 1-2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper
• Olive oil
• 5 tablespoons Unsalted Banner Butter (½ of a round) 
• 1/4 cup Pinot Grigio
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• Handful chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 lemon

Risotto:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1-2 teaspoons Smoked Sea Salt Banner Butter
• 1/2 teaspoon truffle oil (add more to taste)

Cheesy Broccoli:

• 3 cups fresh broccoli
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt & pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS

Scallops & Butter Sauce:

1. Wash and prepare scallops. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika and garlic powder.
2. In a nonstick skillet, add 5-6 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of Unsalted Banner Butter in a skillet.
3. Make sure the skillet is very hot. Then add in scallops. Cook about 2 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown edge to form about 1/4 of the way then flip. Internal temperature should be 130°F. Total cook time will vary based on the thickness of your scallops.
4. Once cooked, remove scallops from the pan.
5. Deglaze pan with 1/4 cup of Pinot Grigio, cook on high for about 2 minutes.
6. Add in red pepper flakes, chopped garlic, parsley and juice of 1/2 a lemon to skillet.
7. Simmer on low for about 3 minutes and finish sauce with 3 more tablespoons of Unsalted butter. Salt and pepper to taste.

Risotto:

1. Boil chicken stock to a simmer and keep on low heat.
2. In a nonstick skillet, add olive oil and heat to medium.
3. Add onions and garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Arborio rice and lightly toast for 2 minutes. Continuously keep turning rice until toasty.
5. Turn heat to low and add heated chicken stock 1/3rd at a time stirring until all stock is used and rice is cooked.
6. Once all liquid is absorbed, remove from heat and stir in Parmesan, 1-2 teaspoons of Smoked Sea Salt Butter.
7. Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil and red pepper flakes, you can add more to taste.

Cheesy Broccoli:

1. Prepare and clean broccoli florets
2. Add into a nonstick skillet and drizzle with olive oil, season with salt pepper and red pepper flakes.
3. Add 3-4 tablespoons of water and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
4. Turn heat to low and cover. Steam for 4-5 minutes or until broccoli is tender and cheese is melted.

Serve scallops over risotto and drizzle with butter sauce. Serve cheesy broccoli on the side.