Maple Seared Scallops Recipes

Steps:

• Place a layer of paper towels on top of a large plate or baking sheet and gently lay the sea scallops on top to rid them of any excess moisture. With the scallops still on the paper towel, grab a large pinch of kosher salt and sprinkle it from a foot or more over the scallops. The height will help distribute the salt evenly.
• Use a pepper grinder to crack fresh black pepper in the same manner, getting every scallop.
• Flip the scallops and season the other side. This is important!
• Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed stainless-steel saute pan over high heat. Do not use nonstick-you'll never achieve the proper caramelization!
• Wait.
• Wait.
• Watch as the pan begins to smoke.
• Now, carefully, because the pan and oil are very hot, use tongs or your fingers to place each scallop individually in the pan, leaving room between them. Once the scallops are in the pan, do not move them or the pan or turn the heat down. You're going to want to, because the pan will be hot and splattering and smoking, but resist! You're getting your hard sear. Don't interfere or the scallops will stick.
• After 2 minutes, use a spatula or tongs to gently turn one of the scallops and assess how dark the sear is. If it's dark brown and caramelized, it's ready to be flipped and seared on the other side for at least 2 minutes more to achieve an identical sear.
• When the scallops have been flipped and seared on both sides, they're fully cooked and ready to eat. Remove them from the pan using tongs or a spatula. Add the butter to the pan and a squeeze of lemon juice and scrape up the bit on the pan to create a sauce. Serve the scallops hot and topped with the pan sauce and another squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F
• Season the scallops lightly with salt and pepper. Cut the bacon in half crosswise. Wrap each scallop in a piece of bacon, string 5 of them onto each skewer and drizzle with half the maple syrup.
• Place the scallops on a baking tray, and cook in the oven for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until the scallops are opaque and the bacon is cooked.
• Drizzle with remaining syrup and freshly ground black pepper and serve.

Steps:

• Sauté the bacon and pour off the fat.
• Cool and crumble; set aside.
• Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium high heat.
• Briefly sauté the scallops until heated through, about 3 minutes.
• Remove with a slotted spoon to a warm bowl.
• Add the half and half to the scallop liquid and boil the cream, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about ¾ cup.
• Keep an eye on the heat and lower to medium, maintaining a steady reduction.
• Add the mustard, maple syrup and pour in any juices collected in scallop bowl.
• Boil for another 3 to 4 minutes until reduced again to sauce consistency.
• Add the scallops and crumbled bacon to the sauce, toss quickly and serve immediately.

Steps:

• Heat a non-stick saucepan until very hot. Carefully add the oil. Add a few scallops at a time and sear both sides until they are cooked through. Remove scallops to a plate. Deglaze pan with vinegar. Add the maple syrup and cook until mixture thickens. Return scallops to the sauce pan and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately. This recipe yields 4 servings.