Description
Seared Scallops with Mushroom Risotto is an elegant and indulgent dish featuring tender scallops with a golden crust served atop creamy, herb-infused mushroom risotto—perfect for special occasions or an upscale weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb scallops, patted dry
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil (for searing)
2 tbsp butter
1 shallot, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup white wine
1 cup Arborio rice
1 lb mushrooms (your choice), chopped
4 cups vegetable stock
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add scallops without overcrowding and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Deglaze with white wine, reduce for 5 minutes, then stir in herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add Arborio rice and stir to coat. Mix in mushrooms and cook down slightly.
- Add vegetable stock ½ cup at a time, stirring until absorbed. Continue until all stock is used and risotto is creamy.
- Finish risotto with fresh parsley.
- Plate risotto and top with seared scallops. Garnish with more parsley or herbs of choice.
Notes
- Use shrimp or grilled chicken as a scallop substitute.
- Try different herbs like rosemary, basil, or tarragon.
- Skip scallops and butter for a vegan version.
- Add grated Parmesan for extra creaminess.
- Store risotto for up to 2 days and scallops for 1 day.
- Reheat risotto with stock; scallops briefly in skillet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/2 to 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg