Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy yet decadent meal that’s ready in minutes? Then look no further! This scallops and spinach recipe is your answer. It’s a delightful combination of sweet, succulent scallops and tender spinach, all cooked to perfection in a light yet flavorful sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a romantic meal, or even a sophisticated yet simple get-together. It's one of those delicious dishes that's surprisingly quick to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, lemon wedges
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures they sear beautifully and develop a lovely golden crust instead of steaming. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Immediately add the spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Scallops
Add the scallops to the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary for best results. Cooking the scallops properly is key to a successful dish.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Once the scallops are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside. If using, add the white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and butter until melted and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the scallops and spinach to the skillet, gently tossing to coat everything in the delicious sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge, if desired. This simple yet elegant presentation will impress your guests!
Tips for the Best Scallops and Spinach:
- Don't overcook the scallops! Overcooked scallops become tough and rubbery. Aim for a slightly opaque center.
- Use high-quality scallops. The flavor of your dish will depend heavily on the quality of the scallops.
- Pat the scallops dry. As mentioned before, this is crucial for proper searing.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of searing.
Variations:
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Creamy sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Mushroom addition: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for added flavor and texture.
- Different greens: Substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or chard.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This quick dinner idea is a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. It's a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and is easily adaptable to your preferences. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dish!