Name: Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto for a Perfect Date Night
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 pieces Jumbo Sea Scallops (Ensure the side muscle is removed.); 2 tablespoons Butter (Use unsalted for better flavor control.); 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Reserve some for garnish.); 1 Juice Lemon (Fresh juice enhances flavor.); 1 cup Arborio Rice (Essential for creamy consistency.); 4 cups Hot Chicken Broth (Warm broth maintains cooking temperature.); 1 cup Mushrooms (Choose shiitake, baby bella, or oyster.); 1 piece Shallot (Can be swapped with onions.); 2 cloves Garlic (Enhances flavor profile.); 1/2 cup White Wine (A dry variety helps deglaze.); 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Must be freshly grated.); 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavors.); 1/2 teaspoon Pepper (Freshly cracked for warmth.)

As the warm aroma of garlic and fresh parsley envelops my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement. Today, I’m sharing a delightful recipe for Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto that transforms an ordinary dinner into a special occasion. This dish is not just about impressive flavors; it’s also a splendid way to enjoy seafood in a comforting, creamy ensemble that’s perfect for a date night or a cozy meal at home. With its quick prep time and stunning presentation, it’s sure to leave your guests—or that special someone—savoring each bite. Are you ready to indulge in this gourmet experience? Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Why Are Lemon Butter Scallops Irresistible?

Decadent Flavor: The combination of buttery scallops and zesty lemon elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Each bite delivers rich, savory flavors that excite your taste buds.

Comfort Meets Gourmet: While the dish feels fancy, the creamy Parmesan risotto wraps the scallops in warm, comforting goodness, making it perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Quick and Simple: With just 30 minutes in the kitchen, you can whip up this stunning dish, ensuring you have ample time to enjoy with loved ones—just like when you pair it with a refreshing Lemon Parmesan Lettuce salad!

Perfect for Dates: Impress that special someone with this elegant meal; it’s sure to make any evening feel more romantic.

Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to switch up the veggies by trying asparagus or spinach in the risotto, or even use shrimp for delicious variations!

Eye-Catching Presentation: Serve this dish elegantly plated, drizzled with extra lemon butter for a restaurant-quality experience right at your dining table!

Lemon Butter Scallops Ingredients

For the Scallops

Jumbo Sea Scallops – Ensure the side muscle is removed for the best texture and tenderness.
Butter – Use unsalted butter for better flavor control in your Lemon Butter Scallops.
Fresh Parsley – Adds a burst of color; reserve some for garnish.
Lemon – Fresh juice gives a bright acidity that enhances the scallops’ flavor.

For the Risotto

Arborio Rice – Essential for that creamy consistency; Carnaroli can be used as a substitute.
Hot Chicken Broth – Using warm broth maintains an even cooking temperature; vegetable stock is a great alternative for vegetarians.
Mushrooms – Choose shiitake, baby bella, or oyster mushrooms to add earthy umami flavors.
Shallots – They provide a lovely aromatic base; can be swapped with onions if needed.
Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor profile wonderfully.
White Wine – A dry white helps deglaze the pan and adds a touch of acidity.
Parmesan Cheese – Must be freshly grated for that rich, cheesy goodness; it brings the risotto to life.

For Seasoning

Salt – Enhances the flavors of both the scallops and risotto.
Pepper – Freshly cracked pepper adds warmth and complexity to the dish.

This dish of Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto guarantees to impress with its delectable flavors and superb presentation!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto

Step 1: Prepare the Risotto Base
In a large non-stick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and slightly bubbling, add finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the shallots are translucent and fragrant. Next, stir in a mix of sliced mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender. This flavorful base is essential for your creamy risotto.

Step 2: Toast the Arborio Rice
Add 1 cup of Arborio rice to the skillet and stir well for about 1 minute, allowing it to toast slightly. This crucial step enhances the flavor and promotes that classic creamy texture. Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine, stirring continuously until most of the wine is fully absorbed, usually about 2-3 minutes. This will deglaze the pan and add a delicious acidity to your risotto.

Step 3: Gradually Add Broth
With the risotto starting to come together, heat 4 cups of hot chicken broth in a separate pot. Begin adding the broth to the rice mixture, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to be absorbed before the next, which should take about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is creamy and al dente, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Finish the Risotto
Once your risotto reaches the desired creaminess, stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley for an aromatic touch. Keep the risotto warm on low heat while you prepare the Lemon Butter Scallops, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare the Scallops
Meanwhile, rinse the jumbo sea scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels, ensuring they’re very dry for a perfect sear. Season both sides with salt and freshly cracked pepper. In a cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This high heat is essential for achieving that lovely golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Sear the Scallops
Gently place the scallops in the hot skillet, ensuring they are spaced out; avoid overcrowding. Sear for about 2 minutes until a golden crust forms. Carefully flip each scallop and cook for an additional 2 minutes. The scallops should be firm yet translucent in the center when fully cooked. Remove them from the skillet and transfer to a plate.

Step 7: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low, adding 3 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter and the juice of one lemon. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor. Stir in some finely chopped parsley and simmer for about 30-60 seconds until mixed and slightly thickened. This citrusy butter sauce will elevate the Lemon Butter Scallops.

Step 8: Serve the Dish
To plate, spoon a generous serving of your creamy Parmesan risotto onto a warm plate, creating a lovely bed for the scallops. Top the risotto with the beautifully seared scallops and drizzle extra lemon butter sauce over them. Garnish with additional parsley for color and serve immediately, allowing everyone to enjoy the delightful combination of Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto.

What to Serve with Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto

An enticing journey of flavors awaits as you elevate your meal with these perfect pairings.

Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish, cleansing the palate.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread with a butter spread adds a crunchy texture, perfect for savoring every drop of the lemon butter sauce.
Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus offers a delightful crunch and vibrant color that complements the creamy risotto beautifully.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, caramelized tomatoes provide a burst of flavor that enhances the scallops’ richness while adding visual appeal.
Chardonnay Wine: A glass of chilled, oaked Chardonnay complements the dish’s flavors and brings out the citrus notes in the lemon butter.
Panna Cotta for Dessert: End your meal on a light note with a creamy panna cotta, its subtle sweetness echoing the dish’s elegance.

Make Ahead Options

These Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors with less fuss during busy weeknights! You can prepare the creamy Parmesan risotto up to 3 days in advance. Simply follow the recipe until you finish stirring in the Parmesan cheese, then let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator. The scallops, however, are best cooked fresh to maintain their delicate texture. On the day you wish to serve, reheat the risotto gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of warm chicken broth to restore creaminess. Finish with freshly seared scallops and lemon butter sauce for a quick yet impressively delicious meal!

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Variations

Feel free to take this recipe and make it your own—experiment with flavors and ingredients to create your perfect dish!

Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the risotto for a burst of Mediterranean flavor and vibrancy.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter sauce for an aromatic herb element that elevates the dish.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the lemon butter sauce for a pleasant heat that balances the richness.
Seafood Medley: Replace scallops with a seafood mix like shrimp and fish fillets for a delightful seafood extravaganza.
Vegetable Delight: Instead of mushrooms, try sautéing zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful vegetable boost in the risotto. You could even indulge in a creamy Butter Cauliflower Deliciously for added richness!
Citrus Zing: Add orange zest along with the lemon for an intriguing citrus note that complements the scallops beautifully.
Cheese Variations: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a creamy goat cheese to change the flavor profile of your risotto.
Nutty Flavor: Stir in some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy risotto and tender scallops.

With these variations, you can create new and exciting experiences with Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto, just perfect for sharing with friends or that special someone!

How to Store and Freeze Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto

Fridge: Store leftover Lemon Butter Scallops and risotto in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth for creaminess.
Freezer: While scallops don’t freeze well, the risotto can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat risotto, add a little chicken broth or water to loosen it up over low heat, stirring frequently to revive its creamy texture.
Serving Fresh: For best results, this dish is best enjoyed fresh. Consider preparing this for a special occasion or once you have company over for dinner!

Expert Tips for Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto

Choose Quality Scallops: Always opt for fresh jumbo sea scallops; avoid frozen ones if possible to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Dry for Perfect Sear: Pat scallops completely dry before cooking to achieve a nice, golden crust. Moisture will prevent proper browning.
Gradual Broth Addition: Adding hot chicken broth slowly while stirring is key to creating a creamy risotto. Rushing can result in a grainy texture.
Keep Ingredients Warm: Use warm chicken broth and keep your risotto on low heat; this maintains an even cooking temperature and enhances flavors throughout.
Finishing Touches: Don’t skip the final drizzle of lemon butter sauce; it brightens and elevates the dish, making it truly irresistible!
Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning for both the scallops and risotto before plating to ensure a delightful blend of flavors.

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right scallops?
When selecting scallops, always opt for jumbo sea scallops that are fresh and firm to the touch. Avoid those that have a strong fishy smell or are discolored. Look for scallops that are pale in color—this ensures they are fresh. If they still have the side muscle attached, it should be easily removable for optimal texture.

How should I store leftover Lemon Butter Scallops and risotto?
Store any leftover Lemon Butter Scallops and risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth to the risotto to prevent it from drying out, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Can I freeze the risotto?
Absolutely! The risotto can be frozen for up to 2 months. First, let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water until creamy. Remember, scallops do not freeze well, so it’s best to prepare them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What if my risotto turns out grainy?
If your risotto is grainy, it might be due to too rapid a broth addition or insufficient stirring. Next time, add the hot broth gradually, one ladle at a time, allowing it to absorb fully before adding the next. Stir frequently to help the rice release its starches, which contributes to the creaminess. With practice, you’ll achieve that luxurious texture!

Can I use different vegetables in the risotto?
Very much so! You can easily substitute mushrooms with asparagus, spinach, or even peas for variety. If you want to add a touch of luxury, consider incorporating saffron into the risotto for an exquisite flavor enhancement. Just adjust cooking times based on the vegetable you choose to ensure they remain tender.

Are there any dietary considerations when making this dish?
For those who may have seafood allergies, it’s best to skip the scallops altogether and consider using shrimp or a different protein like chicken or fish fillets instead. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken broth with vegetable stock. Always check labels and be mindful of allergens when sourcing your ingredients to ensure the meal suits your dietary needs.