Flambéed Scallops: A Sophisticated and Easy-to-Make Delight

Name: Recipe for Scallops with Brandy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 Scallops Scallops (Small); to taste Olive Oil; to taste Parsley (Chopped); 1 clove of Garlic Garlic (Clove); Brandy to taste Brandy; Lemon to taste Lemon (Juice); Flour to taste Flour; Black Pepper to taste Black Pepper

Picture wanting to impress your guests with a dish that is both sophisticated and simple to prepare. Flambéed scallops are the perfect answer for a memorable dinner.

I still recall when my grandma, with precise and loving movements, would open freshly caught scallops and turn them into a culinary masterpiece. Every bite was a plunge into summer memories by the sea, amidst the scent of salt and the evening breeze.

In the version I’m proposing today, the intense aroma of brandy marries perfectly with the sweetness of the scallops, while the lemon juice adds that essential touch of freshness. The dish is garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper to complete each mouthful with a spicy note.

Follow the detailed recipe steps to create this elegant dish in just 20 minutes. And if you want to add a pinch of originality, dare to try ginger or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce as suggested in the final twist!

Recipe Notes

EASE: Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days.
FLAVOR: Delicate and refined taste of scallops with brandy.
PRESENTATION: Elegant dishes served in the beautiful shell-shaped plates.
TIME: Ready in just 20 minutes, from prep to plate.
NUTRITION: Approximately 150 calories per light serving.

Ingredients Notes

Scallops: packed with protein and a delicate sea flavor
Olive oil: a healthy fat for cooking
Cognac: adds depth and aroma to the dish
Parsley: fresh and aromatic, enriches the flavor
Lemon juice: provides freshness and acidity to the dish
Black pepper: adds a touch of spiciness to the dish

Nutritional Aspects

Scallops in brandy are a dish packed with flavor and light on the stomach, making them perfect for an elegant dinner. Here are some key points about their nutritional value:

High protein content with low fat.
Source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.
Rich in minerals such as zinc and magnesium.
Low calorie intake, approximately 150 Kcal per serving.
Use of olive oil, a healthy fat par excellence.
Vitamin B12 present in scallops, essential for the nervous system.
The addition of lemon provides a boost of vitamin C.

Recipe for Scallops with Brandy

Delicious appetizer or main course of scallops with brandy, enriched with fresh parsley, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice. A refined and light dish, perfect for a special occasion or an elegant dinner.

Servings 4

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Ingredients

8 Scallops Scallops Small
to taste Olive Oil
to taste Parsley Chopped
1 clove of Garlic Garlic Clove
Brandy to taste Brandy
Lemon to taste Lemon Juice
Flour to taste Flour
Black Pepper to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

Start by thoroughly cleaning the scallops under running water, making sure to remove any grain of sand. Open them and separate the flat part of the shell, keeping the concave part for the final presentation.
Dry the scallops and lightly coat them with flour, removing the excess. This step will help create a golden crust during cooking.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan and add the crushed garlic to flavor the oil. Once the garlic is golden, remove it to prevent it from burning.
Place the scallops in the pan and sauté them until they are golden on both sides, being careful not to overcook them to maintain their soft and juicy texture.
When the scallops are almost ready, sprinkle them with brandy and briefly flambé to intensify the flavor with a smoky and caramelized note.
Plate the scallops in their concave shells, drizzle them with the remaining cooking liquid in the pan and a touch of fresh lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Garnish each scallop with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper at the time of serving.

Notes

For a unique twist to the traditional scallops in brandy sauce recipe, add a pinch of freshly grated ginger or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce at the end of cooking to give a more spicy and exotic flavor to the dish.

Author: Tips4Food

Calories: 150kcal

Course: Seafood Appetizer

Keyword: Appetizer, Black Pepper, Elegant Dinner, garlic, Lemon juice, Main course, parsley, Recipe, Scallops in Brandy, Worcestershire Sauce

Variations

Customize the recipe with these unique and delicious twists:

Add freshly grated ginger for a spicy kick
Sprinkle a few drops of Worcestershire sauce for an exotic flavor

Frequently Asked Questions about Scallops in Brandy Sauce

Here are some common questions about preparing scallops in brandy sauce.

How to Properly Clean Scallops?

Thoroughly wash the scallops under running water, removing any grit or sand. Open them up and separate the shells, keeping the concave one for the final presentation.

How to Prevent Scallops from Becoming Too Dry During Cooking?

Make sure not to overcook the scallops to maintain their soft and juicy texture. Sear them just until they are golden on both sides.

How to Safely Flambé the Brandy?

Sprinkle the brandy over the scallops in the pan and carefully ignite to briefly flambé, keeping a safe distance from the flames. This will enhance the flavor with a smoky and caramelized note.