If you’ve ever wished for a seafood dish that’s quick, elegant, and bursting with flavor, this Gordon Ramsay Garlic Scallops – Juicy, Tender, And Easy Recipe is your new best friend. Each scallop is seared to golden perfection, infused with a rich garlic butter that brings out a delightful balance of savory and aromatic notes. What makes this recipe stand out is not just its simplicity, but the way it locks in the scallops’ juicy tenderness, creating an irresistible dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Gordon Ramsay Garlic Scallops – Juicy, Tender, And Easy Recipe lies in a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the texture, adding depth to the flavor, or brightening up the dish visually.
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for that perfect sear without overpowering the scallops’ natural sweetness.
- Scallops: Fresh, rinsed, and dried completely to ensure a beautiful crust when seared.
- Sea salt flakes: To season and bring out the natural taste, adding a touch of crunch and texture.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and complexity.
- Unsalted butter: Used at the end for a luscious garlic butter that coats the scallops perfectly.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a vibrant, aromatic punch that complements the tender scallops.
How to Make Gordon Ramsay Garlic Scallops – Juicy, Tender, And Easy Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the pan
Start by heating your olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Getting the pan hot is key to achieving that signature golden crust on the scallops. Once the oil shimmers, reduce the heat slightly to medium-high – this balance ensures the scallops cook evenly without burning.
Step 2: Season the scallops
While your pan heats up, sprinkle sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper onto one side of the scallops. This seasoning propels the natural flavors while preparing the scallops for their sizzling golden sear.
Step 3: Arrange and cook scallops
Carefully place the scallops in the pan one by one with the seasoned side down, starting at 12 o’clock and moving clockwise like a clock’s hours. This methodical placement helps to cook them evenly without overcrowding the pan.
Step 4: Season and sear
Let the scallops cook undisturbed for 45 seconds to form a beautiful crust, then sprinkle salt and pepper on their uncooked sides. Patience here rewards you with a scallop boasting the perfect balance of tender inside and crispy outside.
Step 5: Flip the scallops
Turn each scallop over starting from the one at 12 o’clock, giving the other side time to cook to that same lovely golden hue. This controlled flipping ensures every scallop is cooked just right.
Step 6: Add garlic butter
As soon as all the scallops are flipped, switch off the heat and toss in your butter and minced garlic. Swirl them gently through the pan so the scallops soak up that rich, garlicky butter without overcooking, as the residual heat finishes the job beautifully.
Step 7: Check for doneness
After about 35 to 40 seconds, test the largest scallop’s internal temperature—it should reach about 115°F while being golden brown. Removing from heat at this point lets the scallops rest and finish cooking to an ideal temperature of 125-130°F, keeping them juicy and tender.
Step 8: Rest and enjoy
Let the scallops rest for a couple of minutes so the juices redistribute. Then, dive into your Gordon Ramsay Garlic Scallops – Juicy, Tender, And Easy Recipe, savoring every tender, flavorful bite.
How to Serve Gordon Ramsay Garlic Scallops – Juicy, Tender, And Easy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon zest shavings brighten the plate, adding pops of color and an extra fresh note that cuts through the richness of the garlic butter. A light drizzle of olive oil or a touch of microgreens can also lift the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
These scallops team wonderfully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter asparagus, or a crisp green salad. If you want a little starch, some herbed couscous or a fragrant risotto complements the seafood’s delicate flavor perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, serve the scallops on a bed of lightly sautéed spinach tossed in lemon juice or with a swirl of saffron aioli. You can also skewer the scallops for an elegant appetizer or arrange them around a shell for a beautiful presentation at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Try to enjoy them within 24 hours to preserve that tender texture and avoid the scallops becoming rubbery or overcooked.
Freezing
Freezing cooked scallops is not ideal since it can change their texture dramatically. However, if you must freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container with minimal air, and thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat leftover scallops without losing their juiciness, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a small knob of butter. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make scallops tough and chewy. Reheating just until warmed through keeps that Gordon Ramsay Garlic Scallops – Juicy, Tender, And Easy Recipe magic alive.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry thoroughly. Dry scallops sear better and develop a nicer crust. Frozen scallops might release more water, so drying is key to retaining that juicy, tender texture.
What type of pan works best for searing scallops?
A large non-stick or stainless steel frying pan is perfect for this recipe. It heats evenly and prevents the scallops from sticking, allowing that gorgeous golden crust to develop easily.
How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?
You’re looking for scallops that are opaque throughout, slightly firm but still tender and juicy inside, with a golden crust outside. The internal temperature should ideally reach about 130°F after resting for the perfect bite.
Can I make this recipe without garlic?
While garlic adds fantastic aroma and flavor, you can omit it if you prefer. The butter alone still provides richness, but the garlic is what elevates this recipe into something truly special.
What wine pairs well with Gordon Ramsay Garlic Scallops?
A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully, complementing the scallops’ buttery garlic notes without overpowering their delicate flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a dish that feels like a treat but comes together so effortlessly. The Gordon Ramsay Garlic Scallops – Juicy, Tender, And Easy Recipe hits that sweet spot exactly. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive starter for guests, these scallops promise wow-worthy flavor and texture every single time. Go ahead and give it a try—it might just become one of your favorite go-to recipes too!
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Gordon Ramsay Garlic Scallops – Juicy, Tender, And Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Gordon Ramsay’s Garlic Scallops recipe delivers juicy, tender scallops seared to golden perfection with a flavorful garlic butter infusion. This quick and easy stovetop dish takes just 15 minutes and is perfect for a delicious seafood meal.
Ingredients
Scallops
- 1 pound scallops, rinsed and dried completely
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the pan: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, preferably non-stick frying pan over high heat. Once hot, reduce the heat slightly to medium-high to prepare for searing.
- Season the scallops: While the pan heats up, season one side of the scallops liberally with sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add scallops to pan: Place each scallop into the hot pan one at a time, seasoning side down. Arrange them starting at the 12 o’clock position and continue adding scallops every hour mark around the pan for even spacing.
- Cook first side: Let the scallops cook undisturbed for 45 seconds so they develop a golden crust. Feel free to season the unseasoned top side with salt and pepper during this time.
- Turn scallops: Using tongs or a spatula, flip each scallop to the other side, beginning with the first scallop placed at 12 o’clock. This ensures even cooking on both sides.
- Add garlic butter: Switch off the heat and immediately add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Swirl the pan gently to melt the butter and infuse the scallops with garlic flavor using the residual heat.
- Finish cooking: Let the scallops cook in the garlic butter for an additional 35 to 40 seconds. Check the internal temperature of the largest scallop; once it reaches 115°F and has a lovely golden brown sear, they are ready to remove, accounting for carryover cooking to ideal doneness of 125-130°F.
- Rest and serve: Transfer the scallops from the pan and allow them to rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides for a decadent seafood dish.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are thoroughly dried to achieve a perfect sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the scallops rather than sear them.
- Use a non-stick pan for easiest handling and perfect crust.
- Resting scallops allows juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness.
- Internal temperature of 125-130°F ensures scallops are cooked but still juicy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: British
