This apple pan sauce with scallops combines apples' natural sweetness and tartness with the rich, buttery flavor of seared scallops. The sauce, made from fresh apples, butter, and a splash of cider, perfectly complements the tender scallops, creating an elegant and simple dish to prepare. This is an impressive entrée for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For The Scallops:
- 12 Sea Scallops
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp unsalted butter (for searing)
For The Apple Pan Sauce:
- In Sauce medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 small shallot, finely minced
- 1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for the sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel, removing any excess moisture. This ensures a beautiful sear. Then season both sides with salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the scallops and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and just opaque in the center. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Reduce the heat to medium.
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Add 1 tbsp of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced shallots and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
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Add the sliced apples and thyme to the skillet, stirring to coat the apples in the butter.
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Cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the apples to soften but still retain some structure.
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Pour in the apple cider (and white wine, if using), stirring to combine. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes until it reduces slightly.
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Stir in the Dijon mustard, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a richer sauce, you can whisk in an extra tablespoon of butter to make it silkier.
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Return the seared scallops to the pan, nestling them into the apple sauce. Let them warm through in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
This apple pan sauce with scallops is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it an impressive yet easy dish to prepare. The delicious scallops paired with the bright, apple-infused sauce create the perfect entrée. Serve with a light salad, sautéed greens, or a side of roasted potatoes for a complete meal and enjoy!