Pan Seared Scallops With Cauliflower And Balsamic Syrup Recipes

BALSAMIC-GLAZED SEA SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Pat scallops thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and ensure a good sear. Combine seafood seasoning, salt, and pepper and use to lightly season both sides of the scallops.
• Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops to the skillet, being careful not to crowd. Cook until golden brown and a crust starts to form, about 3 minutes per side. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the scallops and be careful not to overcook. Remove from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
• Add white wine, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. Cook until glaze is slightly thick and syrupy, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Move scallops to a serving plate, drizzle glaze on top, and garnish with chopped tarragon.

PAN SEARED SCALLOPS WITH CAULIFLOWER AND BALSAMIC SYRUP

Steps:

• Reduce balsamic vinegar over low heat until it is the consistency of syrup, about 1/4 cup.
• Keep warm.
• Cook cauliflower florets for about one minute in boiling salted water, then put on ice to stop the cooking and retain color.
• Reserve one cup of the florets.
• Put the other cup into a saucepan, cover it with 1/4 cup of cream and cook for about 8 minutes.
• Puree in a blender or push through a fine sieve and keep warm.
• Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small sauté pan, and when heated add the scallops that have been seasoned with salt and pepper.
• Cook over moderately high heat, high enough to get a nice caramelized sear, on each side for 1-3 minutes, until cooked through.
• In another small sauté pan, brown 1 1/2 tablespoons butter slightly, then add the cup of florets that were not pureed.
• Cook for one minute or two browning the cauliflower slightly.
• Add the toasted, slivered almonds, then the capers, golden raisins and chopped parsley.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• In the center of a plate, put half the cauliflower puree.
• Arrange the cauliflower-caper-raisin mixture on top of the puree as a bed for the scallops.
• Top with half the scallops, then drizzle the plate with the reduced balsamic vinegar.
• Repeat with second plate.