Elevate your weeknight dinner with this elegant and flavor-packed recipe for Scallops with Asparagus. Perfectly seared sea scallops, boasting a golden crust, are paired with tender-crisp asparagus sautéed in garlic, butter, and a touch of lemon for a vibrant burst of freshness. A hint of paprika and an optional splash of white wine infuse bold, aromatic flavors into every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy yet sophisticated dish is ideal for a romantic dinner for two or even a quick gourmet upgrade to your meal routine. Serve it piping hot and garnish with lemon wedges for the perfect final touch. Whether you're searching for a healthy seafood recipe, a low-carb option, or a luxurious meal with simple ingredients, this combination of scallops and asparagus is sure to impress!
Rinse the sea scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step ensures a nice sear.
Trim the woody ends off the asparagus by bending each stalk until it naturally snaps; this is where the tender part starts.
Finely mince the garlic cloves and set them aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the scallops in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Season the scallops with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and paprika, and sear for 2-3 minutes on one side, until golden brown. Then, flip and sear for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.
Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Cover them lightly with foil to keep them warm.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the asparagus and sauté for 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they are tender-crisp.
Add the minced garlic to the asparagus during the last minute of cooking, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Deglaze the skillet by adding the optional white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
Return the scallops to the skillet briefly and drizzle with the juice of half a lemon. Warm everything through for 1-2 minutes but do not overcook.
Transfer the scallops and asparagus to serving plates. Garnish with an additional pat of butter and a wedge of lemon on the side, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Calories |
1003 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.9 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.8 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 213 mg | 71% | |
| Sodium | 3742 mg | 163% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.6 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.5 g | ||
| Protein | 85.4 g | 171% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 193 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 12.0 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 2227 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.