Lemon Garlic Scallops And Grits… Def Extra Sauce
Lemon Garlic Scallops and Grits is a luxurious and flavorful dish that effortlessly blends Southern comfort with a touch of elegance. This recipe features tender sea scallops seared to perfection and bathed in a rich, buttery lemon garlic sauce, offering a delightful burst of fresh, zesty flavors.
Paired with creamy, cheesy grits, this dish creates a harmonious balance of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for a special dinner or a comforting meal at home.
The addition of Romano or Parmesan cheese in the grits enhances the richness, while a hint of red pepper adds a subtle kick, ensuring every bite is both satisfying and memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Lemon Garlic Scallops and Grits is a dish that captivates with its combination of fresh flavors, rich textures, and comforting elements. Here are several reasons why this recipe is likely to become a favorite:
Elegant and Flavorful: The dish features sea scallops, which are prized for their delicate, sweet flavor and tender texture. The lemon garlic sauce adds a bright and zesty dimension, enhancing the natural taste of the scallops and providing a sophisticated touch.
Creamy Comfort: The grits offer a creamy, cheesy base that perfectly complements the scallops. The addition of Romano or Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious, savory flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
Balance of Textures: The combination of seared scallops with creamy grits provides a delightful contrast in textures, with the crispy edges of the scallops and the smooth, rich grits creating a harmonious culinary experience.
Quick and Easy to Prepare: Despite its elegant presentation, this dish is straightforward and quick to make, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Versatile and Adaptable: The recipe allows for customization, whether you prefer more spice with extra red pepper flakes or a milder flavor by reducing the garlic. You can also experiment with different herbs or cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
Key Ingredients:
Sea Scallops: These are the star of the dish, known for their sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. When seared to a golden brown, they offer a savory and slightly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with their soft interior.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor to the dish, cutting through the richness of the butter and enhancing the natural sweetness of the scallops.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the scallops and the grits, adding a savory undertone to the lemon butter sauce.
Butter: Essential for the sauce, butter provides a rich, creamy base that carries the flavors of lemon and garlic, while also adding a luxurious texture to the dish.
Grits: The creamy grits serve as a comforting foundation for the scallops. Made with either water or chicken broth and enriched with Romano or Parmesan cheese, they bring a savory, cheesy element that pairs perfectly with the scallops.
Romano or Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses add a nutty, salty flavor to the grits, enhancing their creaminess and providing a deliciously rich backdrop for the lemon garlic scallops.
Lemon Garlic Scallops And Grits… Def Extra Sauce
Ingredients:
4 cups boiling water or chicken broth
1 cup instant grits
1/2 to 1 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
Sea scallops
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
3 tablespoons butter, divided
Chopped parsley, for garnish
2 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Grits:
Bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan.
Slowly whisk in the instant grits, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Continue whisking occasionally until the grits have thickened to your desired consistency.
Stir in the grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Whisk in 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and combined. Keep warm.
Cook the Scallops:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
Add the sea scallops in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Add the minced garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce:
Remove the skillet from the heat and add about 2 tablespoons of water, followed by the lemon juice, remaining butter, and chopped parsley.
Toss the scallops in the pan to coat them thoroughly in the sauce.
Season the scallops with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Spoon the prepared grits onto serving plates.
Top the grits with the cooked scallops.
Drizzle or spoon the extra lemon garlic sauce from the skillet over the scallops and grits.
Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, flavorful combination of lemon garlic scallops with cheesy grits.
Notes:
Selecting Scallops: For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh sea scallops if available. Look for scallops that are firm, have a slight ocean scent, and are not soaking in liquid. If using frozen scallops, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve a good sear.
Searing Scallops: Ensure the pan is hot and the butter is melted before adding the scallops. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the scallops to steam rather than sear. Cook them in batches if necessary to maintain a high heat and achieve a golden crust.
Adjusting Spice Levels: Customize the level of heat by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, reduce or omit these spices. For more heat, you can increase the amount or add a pinch of chili powder.
Grits Consistency: The grits should be creamy and smooth. If they become too thick, you can loosen them with a little additional water or broth. Conversely, if they are too thin, continue cooking them over low heat until they thicken to your liking.
Cheese Variations: While Romano or Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth to the grits, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Timing and Serving: Prepare the grits first and keep them warm while you cook the scallops. This ensures that both components are served hot and fresh. Drizzle the lemon garlic sauce generously over the scallops and grits for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 400 | Protein: 20 grams | Fat: 25 grams | Carbohydrates: 30 grams | Fiber: 1 grams | Sodium: 600 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use shrimp instead of scallops in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp for scallops if you prefer.
Shrimp cooks quickly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
The lemon garlic sauce pairs well with both seafood options.
How can I ensure my scallops are perfectly seared?
To achieve a perfect sear, make sure the scallops are thoroughly dried with paper towels before cooking.
Use a hot pan with enough space between the scallops to avoid overcrowding, and let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.
What can I use if I don’t have grits?
If you don’t have grits, you can substitute with polenta or even creamy mashed potatoes for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Adjust the cooking method and seasoning to match your substitute.
How do I prevent my grits from clumping?
To prevent clumping, gradually whisk the grits into the boiling water or broth while stirring continuously.
Continue to whisk occasionally as they cook to maintain a smooth consistency.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the grits can be made ahead and reheated, it’s best to cook the scallops just before serving to ensure they remain tender and flavorful.
If preparing ahead, keep the grits warm in a double boiler or covered dish, and quickly sear the scallops right before serving.
How do I know when the scallops are cooked through?
Scallops are cooked through when they become opaque and firm to the touch, with a golden-brown crust on each side.
They should not be translucent in the center.
Typically, they take about 2-3 minutes per side to cook over medium-high heat.
What should I do if my grits are too thick or too thin?
If your grits are too thick, you can thin them out by gradually adding more water or chicken broth while stirring until you reach the desired consistency.
If they are too thin, continue cooking them over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they thicken up.
How can I prevent the garlic from burning while cooking the scallops?
To prevent the garlic from burning, add it to the pan after the scallops have been searing for a minute or two.
You can also reduce the heat slightly if the pan is too hot.
Stir the garlic continuously to ensure it cooks evenly without burning.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by using a plant-based butter substitute and omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Ensure the substitute you choose is suitable for cooking to maintain the creamy texture.
How can I enhance the flavor of the grits?
To enhance the flavor of the grits, consider cooking them in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
You can also add additional seasonings, such as a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika, for an extra depth of flavor. Incorporating a variety of cheeses, like cheddar or gouda, can also add richness.