Scallops with lemon cream and crispy prosciutto: an elegant recipe ready in less than 30 minutes
Are you looking for a recipe that will impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen? Scallops with lemon cream are the perfect choice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines the sweetness of the scallops, the richness of a creamy lemon sauce, and the crunch of prosciutto for a result that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Thanks to high-quality frozen scallops, it is easy to cook a meal worthy of special occasions, no matter the time of year. A few simple ingredients and good cooking techniques are all you need to achieve an exceptional result.
In this complete guide, discover how to perfectly cook scallops, the mistakes to avoid, the best side dishes, and our tips for preparing a meal that will make a splash.
Why is this recipe a success every time?
Scallops are prized for their tender texture and delicate taste. When cooked properly, they become the star of any meal.
This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of flavors.
✔ Creamy sauce scented with lemon
✔ Crispy prosciutto
✔ Fresh tarragon
✔ Quick cooking time
✔ Elegant presentation
It is suitable for:
- a romantic dinner;
- hosting guests;
- a weekend meal;
- a special celebration.
Why choose frozen scallops?
Contrary to popular belief, frozen scallops are an excellent choice for home cooking.
They offer several advantages.
Always available
You can prepare this recipe at any time without waiting for a specific season.
Less waste
You only use the amount you need.
The rest stays in the freezer until your next recipe.
Easy to cook
Frozen scallops allow you to quickly prepare a refined meal, even on busier days.
Excellent quality
When carefully selected and properly thawed, scallops retain a tender texture and a delicate flavor.
The ingredients
For 2 servings, you will need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prosciutto | 3 slices |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Medium scallops | 18 oz |
| Dry white wine | 1/3 cup |
| Shallot | 1 small |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon zest | 1 tbsp |
| 15% cooking cream | 3/4 cup |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Fresh tarragon | 1 tbsp |
| Crushed chili | To taste |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Step-by-step preparation
1. Prepare the prosciutto
Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F).
Place the prosciutto slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for about 10 minutes, until they are nice and crispy.
Let cool before crumbling.
2. Sear the scallops
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the scallops, ensuring they do not touch each other.
Cook them for about 3 minutes per side, until a beautiful golden crust forms.
Remove them from the pan.
Pro tip: Avoid moving the scallops while cooking. A beautiful golden crust forms when they remain still.
3. Prepare the sauce
Deglaze the pan with the white wine.
Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon.
Add:
- the shallot;
- the lemon juice;
- the zest;
- the cream;
- the bay leaves;
- the tarragon.
Let simmer for about 3 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the dish
Return the scallops to the sauce.
Reheat them gently for about a minute.
Sprinkle with the crispy prosciutto, a bit of crushed chili, and fresh tarragon leaves.
Serve immediately.
Pro tips for perfect cooking
✔ Thaw the scallops slowly in the refrigerator.
✔ Pat them dry thoroughly before cooking.
✔ Use a hot pan.
✔ Never overcrowd the pan.
✔ Do not exceed the recommended cooking time.
✔ Serve immediately to enjoy an optimal texture.
Which scallop size to choose?
For this recipe, 10-20 scallops are the best choice. Their size allows for a nice golden sear while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
If you want to impress your guests, U12 scallops offer an even more refined presentation. You simply need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Mini scallops are better suited for pastas, rice, chowders, and stir-fries, where their small size integrates perfectly.
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