Description
This Champagne Risotto with Brown Butter Scallops is a delightful dish that offers a creamy, flavorful experience with each bite. Perfect for a quick yet sophisticated dinner, this recipe showcases the buttery richness of scallops paired with a luscious risotto. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an ideal choice for any home cook looking for a comforting and impressive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large fresh sea scallops
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
- 1/2 cup white wine, such as sauvignon blanc
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the scallops
Instructions
- Heat chicken broth in a saucepan over low heat to prepare the risotto base.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté finely chopped shallots and minced garlic in the skillet for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent.
- Pat the scallops dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- In another skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the scallops in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the cooked scallops and set them aside.
- In the skillet from the scallops, lower the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to brown it.
- Return to the risotto base, pour in 1/2 cup of white wine, and stir until mostly absorbed.
- Gradually add warm chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently for about 18-20 minutes.
- Mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve the risotto topped with scallops and drizzle with the brown butter.
Notes
Ensure the scallops are patted dry for a better sear.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
