Description
Elevate your dinner game with these elegant, pan-seared scallops drizzled in nutty herb brown butter and served over ultra-creamy Parmesan polenta. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or simply treating yourself to something extra special. Packed with flavor, naturally gluten-free, and full of texture and warmth, this easy dinner idea is a showstopper. Whether you’re hunting for quick weeknight meals, fancy seafood recipes, or comforting fall dinner ideas—this one checks every box.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound sea scallops
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, smashed
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon fresh chopped sage or rosemary
1 cup polenta (or yellow cornmeal)
2 cups water
2 cups milk (or half-and-half)
0.5 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Let rest at room temperature.
2. In a saucepan, bring water and milk to a low boil. Whisk in polenta slowly while stirring. Lower the heat and cook, stirring frequently, for 20–25 minutes until thick and creamy. Stir in Parmesan and adjust seasoning.
3. In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Place scallops in the skillet without crowding. Sear for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and opaque in the center. Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the same pan. Once melted and foaming, stir in garlic and herbs. Cook 2–3 minutes until the butter turns golden and nutty-smelling. Remove garlic and herbs if too dark.
5. Spoon warm polenta into bowls. Top with scallops and drizzle with the herb brown butter. Finish with lemon zest if using, and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, always dry scallops thoroughly before cooking.
Stir the polenta regularly to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth, creamy finish.
Don’t walk away from the butter while it browns—it turns quickly!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: scallop recipes, creamy polenta, seafood dinner, easy dinner, elegant meal