Bay Scallops With Almonds
Delicate bay scallops in a rich cream sauce with toasted almonds and fresh chives, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions, offering a harmonious blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the white wine and fish stock or clam juice.
- Bring to a simmer over high heat and cook until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 6 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and cook until thickened to coat the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat the unsalted butter over high heat.
- Add the bay scallops and cook until browned and well-seared, about 2 minutes.
- Stir the scallops and cook until slightly firm, about 1 minute.
- Transfer the scallops to a colander to drain.
- Add the scallops to the sauce, mixing to coat.
- Spoon the scallops into the center of serving plates.
- Top with snipped fresh chives and toasted sliced almonds.
- Garnish with sprigs of fresh chives and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the sauce for brightness. If you don't have fish stock, clam juice is a great substitute. To save time, prepare the sauce in advance and simply reheat it before adding the cooked scallops. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside sautéed greens for a complete meal. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables would also complement the richness of the scallops. Consider pairing it with a chilled dry white wine for an elegant dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the scallops and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the scallops rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bay Scallops With Almonds contains roughly 777 calories, with 15g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (230% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (177% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1901mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bay scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bay scallops. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve a good sear. This will help prevent them from becoming watery and ensure a flavorful dish.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream, which will add a unique flavor.
How do I know when the scallops are cooked perfectly?
Scallops should be cooked until they are opaque and slightly firm to the touch, usually about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery. Properly seared scallops will have a golden crust on the outside.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).