Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto: A Luxurious Culinary Delight

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’ve found it! This recipe for Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto: A Luxurious Culinary Delight is one of my all-time favorites. The rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter combined with perfectly seared scallops is simply irresistible. And let’s not forget about the creamy risotto that serves as the perfect base – it’s comfort food at its best!

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or hosting friends and family, this recipe will impress everyone around the table. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for those nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Impressive Presentation: The golden scallops sitting atop creamy risotto make for a stunning plate that looks like it came straight from a fine dining restaurant.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Even picky eaters will love the buttery scallops and cheesy risotto!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra risotto to enjoy later – it reheats beautifully and makes for an easy lunch.
• A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s date night or a family gathering, everyone will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! You probably have many of them in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto: A Luxurious Culinary Delight.

For the Scallops

• 1 pound large sea scallops, dry‑tucked
• ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for seasoning scallops
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Risotto

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups low‑sodium chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for risotto)
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano, plus more for finishing
• Pinch of salt and pepper for risotto seasoning

For Flavor

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for brown butter)
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste.

• Swap the protein: If you’re not a fan of scallops, try shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist!
• Change up the cheese: Use pecorino or any hard cheese you love instead of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• Add some greens: Toss in fresh spinach or peas into the risotto just before serving for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brown butter sauce if you enjoy a little heat.

How to Make Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto: A Luxurious Culinary Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and sprinkle both sides with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because starting with dry scallops ensures they sear beautifully, creating that delightful golden crust we all love!

Step 2: Make the Brown Butter

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Keep an eye on it as it cooks! Swirl occasionally until it turns a deep amber color and releases a nutty aroma (around 4–5 minutes). Removing it from heat immediately is key; we want that perfect brown butter flavor without burning!

Step 3: Sear the Scallops

Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add your seasoned scallops. Give them space to breathe – don’t crowd them! Cook without moving them for about 2 minutes until they form a golden crust. Flip them over and cook another 1½–2 minutes. To enhance their flavor, stir in lemon juice and zest before transferring them to a warm plate.

Step 4: Prepare the Risotto

In another saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in your Arborio rice and stir gently for about 2 minutes until lightly toasted; this brings out its nutty flavor. Pour in ½ cup of warm broth, stirring until it’s mostly absorbed. Continue adding broth one ladle at a time while stirring frequently (about 18–20 minutes) until creamy and al dente.

Step 5: Finish Up

Once your risotto is ready, stir in grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, remaining butter, salt, pepper, and parsley. Now for plating – spoon generous portions onto each plate, creating wells in the center to nestle those beautiful seared scallops on top. Drizzle any remaining brown butter sauce over everything while it’s still fragrant and serve immediately!

Enjoy this luxurious meal with loved ones – I promise it’ll leave everyone smiling!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto: A Luxurious Culinary Delight

Cooking this dish can be a rewarding experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll impress everyone at your dinner table!

• Choose the right scallops – Opt for dry-packed sea scallops, as they are fresher and sear beautifully without excess moisture, ensuring that perfect golden crust.
• Perfect the brown butter – Keep a close eye on the butter while it’s browning; the transition from golden to burnt happens quickly. The nutty aroma signals when it’s ready to use.
• Stir consistently while making risotto – Frequent stirring releases the starches from the Arborio rice, resulting in a creamy texture that makes your risotto irresistible.
• Serve immediately for best results – Both the scallops and risotto are best enjoyed hot. Prepare everything close to serving time to keep flavors vibrant and textures delightful.
• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to adjust seasonings or add ingredients like garlic or peas to the risotto for an extra flavor boost that complements the scallops beautifully.

How to Serve Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto: A Luxurious Culinary Delight

Presenting this dish can make it feel even more special. Here are some ideas to serve it elegantly!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs – A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds color and freshness, enhancing both the visual appeal and flavor.
• Lemon wedges – Serving lemon on the side allows guests to brighten their dish further with a squeeze of fresh juice, complementing the scallops perfectly.
• Microgreens – These delicate greens can add an elegant touch on top of your scallops and risotto, making it look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

• Steamed asparagus – The slight crunch and grassy flavor of asparagus creates a delightful contrast with creamy risotto and buttery scallops.
• Garlic bread – A crusty slice of garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for soaking up any leftover brown butter sauce.
• Mixed green salad – A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance that complements the richness of your main dish.
• Roasted vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts provide color and nutrients, making your meal more vibrant and wholesome.

Now you’re all set to create an unforgettable dining experience with Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the risotto ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy this luxurious dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep seared scallops separate from the risotto to maintain their texture.
• Ensure everything is cooled to room temperature before sealing the containers.

Freezing

• While it’s best to enjoy scallops fresh, you can freeze the risotto.
• Place cooled risotto in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Label with the date and use within 1 month for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• To reheat risotto, add a splash of warm broth or water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
• For scallops, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat, just until warmed. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

FAQs

Have questions about making this delightful dish? Here are some common queries!

Can I use frozen scallops for Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto?

Yes, frozen scallops can be used! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This will help achieve that beautiful sear.

What makes Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto so luxurious?

The rich flavors of brown butter combined with perfectly seared scallops and creamy Parmesan risotto create a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. It’s an elegant meal that’s sure to impress!

How do I ensure my risotto is creamy?

Stirring frequently while gradually adding warm broth helps release the starches from the Arborio rice, resulting in that signature creamy texture you want for your risotto.

Can I substitute other cheeses instead of Parmigiano-Reggiano in this recipe?

While Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano if desired.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto: A Luxurious Culinary Delight! It’s a dish that combines simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy making it and savoring the delicious results!