Lemon Basil Pasta With Seared Scallops Food

LEMON BASIL PASTA WITH SEARED SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Heat a large sauté pan to medium and add 2 tbsp olive oil. Add corn kernels, ½ tsp salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and cook until just tender, 3-4 min.⠀
• Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until it just starts to brown. ⠀
• Add lemon zest, juice, and cashew cream and cook on medium low for 3-5 minutes, or until thickened to desired consistency. Set aside.⠀
• Prepare your scallops - remove the side muscles, pat dry and season both side with a sprinkle of kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Make sure to pat dry with a paper towel. This will help to ensure the best sear / browning on the scallops.
• To a cast iron skillet add 1 tbsp olive oil and bring to heat over medium.
• Once skillet is hot, add your scallops and cook (undisturbed, do not move), for 3-4 minutes, until bottom has browned and developed a golden crust. Turn over and do the same with the other side.⠀
• While scallops finish cooking, add prepared pasta to warmed lemon cashew cream sauce. Stir in fresh basil. Top with seared scallops and serve.

BASIL PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS OVER PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, rinse, and transfer to a large serving bowl.
• Meanwhile, place scallops in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Pour mixture over scallops. Arrange scallops in a single layer in a large baking dish or plate. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon dried basil over scallops so that only one side is sparsely coated with basil.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high, and melt one tablespoon of butter in the pan. Place 12 scallops basil-side down, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until dark golden brown. Turn scallops, and cook the other side. Cook the remaining 12 scallops the same way.
• In a small saucepan, melt remaining butter with 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Toss pasta with butter and olive oil mixture. Divide pasta onto plates, and top with scallops.

PAN SEARED SCALLOPS WITH LEMON PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rapid boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain. Toss pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.Tip: If you forget to reserve the pasta water before draining, you can use chicken broth for the sauce.
• While the pasta is cooking, remove the thawed scallops from the fridge and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. If the scallops have the muscle on the side, remove it. With a few more paper towels, pat the scallops completely dry. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
• Place a large skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add the 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. When the oil is shimmering, but not smoking, add the scallops, keeping them about an inch apart (cook in two batches if necessary). Cook scallops for about 2 minutes, without moving or touching them. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer scallops to a clean plate and set aside. Tip: The first side that was seared will have the nicest golden colour so keep that side up on the plate, and when you serve them.
• Reduce the heat to medium low and add 2 tablespoons of the butter to the skillet, plus another drizzle of olive oil. Stir in the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Add the wine to the pan scraping up the browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Cook the wine until slightly reduced, about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add the 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water, chives, capers, lemon zest, lemon juice and crushed red pepper flakes. Stirring constantly, bring sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1 more minute then remove from heat. Stir in remaining tablespoon of butter.
• Add pasta to sauce and stir to combine.
• To serve, divide the pasta into 4 serving bowls. Top with scallops and garnish with chives and/or parsley, and lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

SPAGHETTI WITH LEMON, BASIL AND SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Whisk oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt together in small bowl, then stir in Parmesan until thick and creamy. Set aside.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Add scallops in single layer (uncovered) and cook until scallops are firm, about 3 minutes; transfer to bowl and cover.
• Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add pasta and 1 tablespoon salt and cook, stirring often, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain pasta and return pasta to the pot. Stir in reserved olive oil mixture, scallops with any accumulated juices, remaining 2 tablespoons butter and basil; toss to combine. Add reserved cooking water as needed to adjust consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with additional sprigs of basil, if desired.