Date Night In: Reignite the Spark with Fun and Creative Ideas

 

 Planning a romantic date night in? Ditch the takeout menus and create a restaurant-worthy experience at home with this recipe for pan-seared scallops with lemon butter sauce and asparagus. It's impressive yet surprisingly simple to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your loved one's company.

 

Scallops are known for their delicate sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them a perfect choice for a romantic meal. The lemon butter sauce adds a touch of brightness and acidity, while the asparagus provides a delightful counterpoint with its earthy flavor and crisp-tender texture.

 

This dish is:

 

Elegant and impressive

Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes

Perfect for a seafood lover

Customizable with your date's dietary preferences

Let's impress your special someone with this culinary love letter!

 

Ingredients:

12 large sea scallops

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 shallot, finely minced

1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Pat the scallops dry:  Dry scallops are essential for achieving a nice sear. Using paper towels, gently pat the scallops dry on both sides. Season them generously with salt and pepper.

 

Heat the olive oil:  In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering.

 

Sear the scallops: Carefully place the scallops in the hot skillet, leaving space between them. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they will steam instead of sear. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become tough.

 

Make the lemon butter sauce:  Once the scallops are seared, remove them from the pan and set aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. Let it melt, then swirl the pan to cook the butter for about a minute, until it becomes golden brown and fragrant.

 

Deglaze the pan (optional): If using white wine, carefully add it to the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

 

Add the shallot: Stir in the minced shallot and cook for 30 seconds, or until softened.

 

Finish the sauce: Add the lemon juice and swirl the pan to combine. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

 

Cook the asparagus: While the sauce simmers, add the asparagus to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

 

Plate and serve: Plate the seared scallops and top them with the lemon butter sauce. Arrange the asparagus alongside the scallops and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

 

Tips:

For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream along with the lemon juice.

If you don't have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth.

For a touch of smokiness, finish the scallops with a sprinkle of paprika after searing.

Make sure your skillet is hot enough before searing the scallops. This will ensure a nice golden brown crust.

Enjoy this delicious and romantic date night meal! With its elegant presentation and burst of flavors, this pan-seared scallop dish is sure to impress your special someone and create a memorable evening.