Gordon Ramsay’s Scallop Recipe is one of those culinary delights that transformed the way I view and cook scallops at home.
Ramsay, known for his Michelin-starred cooking and fiery television personality, has a way of making even the most intimidating dishes seem approachable.
His scallop recipe is no exception, focusing on the natural sweetness of the scallops, paired with a beautifully rich, yet simple, buttery sauce.
This dish is all about precision and letting the quality of the ingredients shine through.
What Goes Best with Gordon Ramsay Scallop Recipe
When serving Gordon Ramsay’s scallops, I prefer to keep sides minimal to not overshadow the delicate flavors of the seafood.
A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or lightly sautéed greens like spinach or asparagus works wonderfully.
For a more substantial meal, a side of creamy risotto or a light pasta dish complements the scallops without overwhelming them.
Ingredients
To prepare Gordon Ramsay’s Scallop Recipe, you’ll need:
- 6-8 large sea scallops, cleaned and side muscle removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, lightly smashed
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- Juice of half a lemon
- Additional lemon wedges for serving
How to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Scallop Recipe
- Season the Scallops: Start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, carefully add the scallops to the pan, ensuring they are not touching.
- Sear the Scallops: Sear the scallops for about 1-2 minutes on one side until they develop a golden crust. Avoid moving them around to ensure a good sear.
- Add Flavorings: Flip the scallops over, then add the butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan. As the butter melts, spoon it over the scallops continuously to baste them. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Finish with Lemon: Squeeze the lemon juice over the scallops right before removing them from the pan. This adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
Gordon Ramsay Scallop Recipe
Ingredients
- 6-8 large sea scallops cleaned and side muscle removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove lightly smashed
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- Juice of half a lemon
- Additional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the Scallops: Start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, carefully add the scallops to the pan, ensuring they are not touching.
- Sear the Scallops: Sear the scallops for about 1-2 minutes on one side until they develop a golden crust. Avoid moving them around to ensure a good sear.
- Add Flavorings: Flip the scallops over, then add the butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan. As the butter melts, spoon it over the scallops continuously to baste them. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Finish with Lemon: Squeeze the lemon juice over the scallops right before removing them from the pan. This adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
Notes
How to Serve Gordon Ramsay Scallop Recipe
Serve the scallops immediately after cooking, as they are best enjoyed hot from the pan.
Plate them with a drizzle of the butter sauce from the pan and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Accompany with lemon wedges and your choice of side dish.
How to Reheat Gordon Ramsay Scallop Recipe
- Microwave: It’s not recommended to reheat scallops in the microwave, as they can become rubbery.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C). Place the scallops on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Heat just until warm, about 5-10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat the scallops in a pan over low heat with a bit of butter or olive oil. This method helps retain their moisture better than the oven.
How to Store Leftovers of Gordon Ramsay Scallop Recipe
Leftover scallops should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 days. Ideally, scallops should be eaten fresh and not stored for too long to maintain their quality and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gordon Ramsay Scallop Recipe
- Can I use frozen scallops? Yes, frozen scallops can be used but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry to achieve a good sear.
- How do I avoid overcooking scallops? The key is high heat and a short cooking time. Scallops cook very quickly, so keeping an eye on them and removing them from the heat as soon as they’re done is crucial.
Nutritional Information
Scallops are a low-fat, high-protein seafood option, making them a healthy choice for many. A serving of Gordon Ramsay’s Scallop Recipe (based on 4 scallops per serving) approximately contains:
- Calories: 200-250
- Protein: 14-18g
- Fat: 15-20g (with butter and oil)
- Carbohydrates: 2-4g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300-400mg (varies based on seasoning)
This nutritional breakdown makes scallops an excellent choice for those looking for a light yet satisfying meal. The simplicity of Ramsay’s recipe, focusing on the scallops with minimal additional ingredients, keeps the dish relatively healthy while still indulging in the luxurious taste and texture that scallops are known for.
