Seared Scallops with Bacon, Tarragon and Lemon
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 6 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 6 servings
- Calories
- 71
- Total Fat
- 4
- Saturated Fat
- 2
- Carbohydrates
- 2
- Dietary Fiber
- 0
- Sugar
- 0
- Protein
- 5
- Cholesterol
- 16
- Sodium
- 164
- Total: 35 min
- Prep: 20 min
- Cook: 15 min
Ingredients
1 (1-ounce) slice bacon, cut crosswise into thin pieces
8 (1-inch) sea scallops, foot removed, if necessary, and patted dry
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup dry white vermouth
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
- Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crisp but not dry and drain on a piece of paper towel. Leave 1 tablespoon of the drippings in the pan (there probably won't be much more than that, but discard any extra if there is).
- Season the scallops with salt and pepper, to taste. Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high, add the butter, and sear the scallops until brown and glossy, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer the scallops to a plate and set aside.
- Remove pan from heat and add the vermouth and lemon juice. Now return the skillet to the heat and stir with a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until reduced by half. Stir in the water.
- While the sauce reduces, slice the scallops in half vertically. Slip them into the reduced sauce with the tarragon, parsley, and bacon bits and give the skillet a swirl to bring everything together. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Divide the scallops with their sauce among small plates or Asian soup spoons and serve immediately.