Enjoy Your Dinner Menu with This Easy Seafood Recipe: Scallops with Vodka Cream Sauce!
Dive into the culinary world with a dish that marries the delicate taste of scallops with a rich and creamy vodka sauce.
Vodka Sauce Scallops is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
Featuring succulent scallops, ripe tomatoes, and a velvety sauce made from a blend of olive oil, salted butter, garlic, shallot, and a splash of vodka, this dish promises a gourmet scallop recipe that’s both indulgent and comforting.
The magic of this dish lies in the harmonious blend of seafood recipe ingredients, creating a meal that’s perfect for quick seafood dinners, gourmet family dinners, or even as the centerpiece of your holiday dinner seafood spread.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or searching for the best scallops for cooking, this recipe will guide you through making homemade vodka sauce and cooking scallops perfectly, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Why Scallops with Vodka Sauce Are a Must Try
From festive family meals to elegant meals for two, this dish encapsulates the essence of luxury seafood meals with the health benefits of a heart-healthy seafood recipe.
Its versatility shines through, whether served as a sophisticated addition to your Easter dinner recipes or as the star of your Christmas seafood dishes.
- Homemade Luxury: Embrace the art of cooking with seafood and spirits, delivering a dish that rivals any gourmet scallop recipe found in high-end restaurants.
- Versatility for Every Occasion: Perfect for everything from quick and healthy dinners to seafood dinner party menus, this dish adapts to suit your culinary needs.
- Nutritional Harmony: Offering a balance of flavors and health benefits, this recipe fits beautifully into diets focusing on low carb seafood dishes and gluten-free scallop recipes.
Scallops with Vodka Cream Sauce Ingredients
For the Scallops:
- Scallops: Opt for the best scallops for cooking, ensuring they are fresh and plump.
- Olive Oil & Salted Butter: For sautéing the scallops to golden perfection.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To season the scallops.
For the Vodka Cream Sauce:
- Garlic & Shallot: Minced, creating a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
- Vodka: The key ingredient that adds a unique depth of flavor.
- Heavy Cream: For that luxurious, creamy texture.
- Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they add a tangy sweetness to the sauce.
Scallops in Rich Vodka Sauce Instructions
Preparing the Scallops:
- Season & Sear: Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Heat a mixture of olive oil and butter in a pan, then sear the scallops until they develop a golden crust.
- Rest Scallops: Set aside.
Making the Vodka Cream Sauce:
- Sauté: In the same pan, sauté garlic and shallot until translucent. About 3 minutes
- Deglaze & Simmer: Add vodka to deglaze the pan, then pour in the heavy cream and tomatoes, simmering until the sauce thickens. About 5 minutes
Combining & Serving:
- Marry Flavors: Return the scallops to the pan, coating them in the vodka cream sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Serve your scallops drizzled with vodka sauce, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions & Tips
- Pasta Pairings: For a classic seafood pasta recipe, serve over your favorite pasta.
- Healthy & Hearty Sides: Accompany with a side of seasonal vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Storage & Reheating: This dish freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prep and quick weeknight dinner ideas.
Beyond the Recipe
- Weeknight Dinner Ideas: Quick to prepare, this dish is an excellent choice for a luxurious yet easy weeknight meal.
- Holiday Occasions: Perfect for holiday dinner seafood or as a unique Easter dinner recipe, this dish is sure to impress.
Scallops with Vodka Cream Sauce
Discover the perfect gourmet experience with Scallops in Vodka Cream Sauce. This easy recipe combines fresh scallops with a rich sauce for an elegant, easy-to-make dinner ideal for festive family meals or a romantic evening."
Ingredients
- 16 scallops
- 4 tomatoes
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Scallops:
- Season & Sear: Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Heat a mixture of olive oil and butter in a pan, then sear the scallops until they develop a golden crust.
- Rest Scallops: Set aside.
Making the Vodka Cream Sauce:
- Sauté: In the same pan, sauté garlic and shallot until translucent. About 3 minutes
- Deglaze & Simmer: Add vodka to deglaze the pan, then pour in the heavy cream and tomatoes, simmering until the sauce thickens. About 5 minutes
Combining & Serving:
- Marry Flavors: Return the scallops to the pan, coating them in the vodka cream sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Serve your scallops drizzled with vodka sauce, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
When preparing "Scallops with Vodka Cream Sauce," it's crucial to slightly undercook the scallops when initially searing them. Scallops continue to cook once removed from direct heat, especially when returned to the sauce for a final simmer.
Aim for a golden crust on the outside while maintaining a tender, slightly translucent center. This method ensures the scallops remain moist and tender, avoiding the rubbery texture that results from overcooking.
Perfectly cooked scallops should feel firm to the touch but still give slightly under pressure, indicating they are cooked just right and will complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 292Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 63mgSodium 460mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 13g
