Seared Scallops With Lemon Thyme Grits Food

LEMON BUTTERED SEARED SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Place the scallops on a paper towel-lined sheet tray and pat dry. Sprinkle the scallops with salt and pepper.
• Preheat a large nonstick saute pan on medium-high heat, then add the oil and heat until shimmering. Add the scallops and sear on one side until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Gently turn the scallops over and add the Lemon Butter, basting the scallops by gently spooning the melting butter over the top, for about 1 minute.
• Add the wine and lemon juice and allow the scallops to simmer until they are cooked through, another 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the scallops to a platter and sprinkle with the chives.
• Combine the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt in a medium bowl and stir until smooth. Spoon the butter onto the lower third of a piece of plastic wrap. Fold the plastic wrap over the butter and use a spatula to compress the butter into a log about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. Twist both ends of the plastic wrap to seal the butter inside. Refrigerate the butter until firm, at least 30 minutes, before using.

PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS WITH LEMON

Steps:

• Pat scallops dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the scallops to skillet and cook, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining scallops, adding more oil to the skillet as needed. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side.

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH LEMON-THYME GRITS

Steps:

• Whisk olive oil and vinegar in small bowl to blend. Whisk in olives and shallots. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature and rewhisk before serving.) Bring broth and thyme to boil in heavy large saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits. Reduce heat and continue cooking grits until thick and creamy, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Stir in lemon peel. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover to keep warm. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add scallops to pan and saute until golden and opaque in center, about 3 minutes. Spoon 1/2 cup grits onto center of each of 6 plates. Arrange scallops around grits. Drizzle vinaigrette over scallops.