As the sun dipped below the horizon, the kitchen filled with the warm aroma of sautéing garlic and shallots, instantly transporting me to a cozy Italian trattoria. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe for Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto that brings the essence of fine dining right into your home. This dish combines tender, caramelized scallops with a creamy risotto that’s not just a crowd-pleaser but also quick to whip up for date nights or cozy family dinners. With just a touch of attention and love, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal that feels special without the fuss. Who’s ready to impress your loved ones with this luscious seafood treat? Let’s dive into the details!

Why is this dish a showstopper?

Luxurious flavors: The combination of caramelized lemon butter scallops and creamy Parmesan risotto creates an unforgettable taste experience that will transport you to Italy with every bite.

Quick and easy: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your kitchen, perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Crowd-pleaser: Impress family and friends with a dish that’s elegantly presented yet simple to make, making it an ideal choice for your next dinner party.

Versatility: Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out mushrooms for asparagus or spinach, or using shrimp for a delightful twist.

Perfect pairing: Serve this dish alongside a crisp white wine for a complete dining experience, like with a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

With options like these, inspire your culinary creativity! Give this dish a try, and for more seafood delights, check out our Garlic Butter Steak or Garlic Butter Chicken recipes!

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Ingredients

• Unlock the delicious secrets behind this luxurious dish!

For the Scallops

Jumbo Sea Scallops – Make sure to remove the side muscle for a tender texture.
Butter – Elevates the rich flavors and aids in achieving a beautiful sear.
Fresh Parsley, Minced – Adds a burst of freshness, brightening the dish.

For the Risotto

Arborio or Carnaroli Rice – These varieties release starch for that classic creamy risotto texture.
Hot Chicken Broth or Vegetable Stock – Always have this warm to achieve the best consistency when cooking.
White Wine – Infuses acidity to balance the creaminess; a splash enhances the overall flavor.
Grated Parmesan Cheese – Use freshly grated for maximum richness and depth.
Shallots, Minced – Provides a lovely aromatic base that complements the other flavors.
Garlic, Minced – Enhances the savory notes in both the scallops and the risotto.
Mushrooms (shiitake, baby bella, etc.) – Adds umami and depth; feel free to mix and match.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

For Serving

Lemon Wedges – A squeeze before digging in brightens the entire meal, enhancing flavors beautifully.

Embark on a culinary adventure with these wonderful ingredients to create Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto

Step 1: Prepare Risotto
In a non-stick pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté 2 minced shallots and 2 minced garlic cloves for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the pan, cooking briefly until they soften and release their moisture, creating a delicious aromatic base for the creamy Parmesan risotto.

Step 2: Cook the Rice
Add 1 cup of Arborio rice to the pan, stirring to coat it with the melted butter. Pour in ½ cup of white wine, cooking until the liquid is fully absorbed while stirring continuously. Gradually add 4 cups of hot chicken broth, about ½ cup at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. This should take around 20 minutes, resulting in creamy risotto.

Step 3: Season Risotto
Once the risotto reaches a creamy consistency, remove it from heat and stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the flavors of the Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto. Cover to keep warm while you prepare the scallops.

Step 4: Prepare Scallops
Rinse and thoroughly dry 12 jumbo sea scallops with paper towels, ensuring they are free from moisture to achieve a perfect sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat, adding 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is smoking, add the scallops, searing them for about 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Make Lemon Butter Sauce
Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter along with the juice of 1 lemon. Stir in 2 tablespoons of minced parsley, allowing the mixture to bubble and meld together, creating a rich lemon butter sauce that will elevate the flavors of your Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto.

Step 6: Serve the Dish
Return the scallops to the skillet just to warm them through, about 1 minute. To plate, scoop a generous portion of the creamy Parmesan risotto onto each dish. Arrange the scallops on top, and drizzle with the luscious lemon butter sauce. Garnish with additional minced parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright finish.

Expert Tips for Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto

Hot Broth Essential: Always use hot broth when preparing the risotto. Cold liquid can cause the rice to cook unevenly and compromise creaminess.
Do Not Rush Risotto: Gradually adding broth helps achieve the perfect texture. Avoid the urge to add too much at once; patience is key for a luscious result.
Use a Cast Iron Skillet: While searing the scallops, a cast iron skillet provides the ideal high heat for a beautiful golden crust. Just remember to keep it for scallops; avoid using it for the risotto!
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan and fresh herbs to really elevate the flavors of your Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto. Avoid pre-grated cheese, which may lack depth.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper! Proper seasoning is essential to enhance the overall flavor of both the scallops and the risotto.
Garnish Thoughtfully: Adding fresh parsley as a garnish not only adds a pop of color but also contributes a fresh burst of flavor to your dish before serving.

How to Store and Freeze Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep the risotto and scallops separate to maintain texture.

Freezer: It’s best not to freeze this dish, as the risotto can lose its creamy consistency and scallops may become rubbery when thawed.

Reheating: Gently reheat the risotto on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess. Reheat scallops separately in a pan for just a minute or two until warmed through.

Room Temperature: If left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Make Ahead Options

These Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the risotto up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of adding the Parmesan; let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container. This helps maintain the creaminess, so be sure to add a little extra broth when reheating to prevent it from drying out. The scallops should be cooked fresh for the best texture, but you can have everything else ready to serve. When you’re set to dine, just sear the scallops for about 4 minutes, warm the risotto gently, and you’ll have a delectable, restaurant-quality meal in no time!

What to Serve with Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto

Bring the perfect dining experience to your table with these delightful pairings that complement the indulgent flavors of your meal.

Crispy Arugula Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette enhances freshness, cutting through the rich flavors of the risotto.
Sautéed Asparagus: Tender, slightly charred asparagus offers a satisfying crunch and resonates beautifully with the buttery scallops.
Garlic Bread: This classic favorite adds a crispy texture and aromatic element, perfect for sopping up the creamy risotto.
Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing palate cleanser that provides a bright, zesty finish, making each bite of scallops feel renewed.
Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay pairs perfectly, enhancing the seafood flavor and elevating the dining experience.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, blistered tomatoes add a pop of color and a juicy burst of flavor, harmonizing perfectly with the dish.
Creamy Mushroom Soup: Starting with soup provides a warm, earthy flavor that beautifully sets the stage for the main event.
Herbed Quinoa: Light and fluffy quinoa seasoned with herbs offers a healthy, nutty contrast that complements the dish without overpowering it.

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Variations

Feel free to take this recipe and make it your own, adding your favorite flavors or dietary twists!

Veggie Delight: Substitute mushrooms with asparagus or spinach for a fresh and light flavor profile. This not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s nutritional value.
Shrimp Swap: Replace scallops with shrimp for a delightful twist! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for perfectly tender shrimp that will still shine in the lemon butter sauce.
Add Spice: For a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes into the lemon butter sauce, offering a warm heat that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dish.
Saffron Infusion: Experiment with a pinch of saffron in the risotto for an earthy depth of flavor and a gorgeous golden hue. This luxurious touch will impress anyone at the table!
Nutty Flavor: Add toasted pine nuts or almonds to the risotto as a topping for an exciting crunch and a subtle nuttiness that elevates the creamy texture.
Lemon Zest Boost: For an extra burst of citrusy brightness, incorporate zest from the lemon into the risotto or sprinkle over the scallops before serving.
Substitute Cheese: Go vegan by using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy, and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. This can create a deliciously creamy risotto that’s just as satisfying!
Seafood Medley: Combine calamari or small fish fillets with the scallops for a delightful seafood medley, enhancing the dish’s ocean-fresh taste and texture.

You can explore even more delightful recipes such as Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies for a sweet finish to your meal or take a look at our Blackberry Lemon Cheesecake Bites for a light and refreshing dessert option!

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting scallops?
Always choose fresh jumbo sea scallops that are firm and moist to the touch. Look for a slightly translucent appearance; avoid those with a strong fishy smell or dark spots on the surface. When possible, ask your fishmonger to remove the side muscle for a more tender texture.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, keep the scallops and risotto separate. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat them on the stove to preserve their deliciousness.

Can I freeze this dish?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto, as freezing can alter the creamy texture of the risotto and make the scallops rubbery upon thawing. If you must freeze, portion them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, but be aware that the quality may not be the same.

What if my risotto turns out too dry?
If your risotto is too dry, don’t panic! Simply add a bit more warm chicken broth, a splash at a time, stirring well until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. Remember, cooking risotto requires a bit of patience and constant stirring for that luxurious texture.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This dish contains seafood, so it’s essential to be mindful of potential shellfish allergies. For those avoiding dairy, you can substitute the butter and Parmesan with vegan alternatives, though the flavor will vary. Always double-check with guests regarding any allergies or dietary restrictions prior to serving.

How can I enhance the flavors of the scallops?
To amplify flavors, try marinating the scallops briefly in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt before cooking. This adds a depth of flavor without overpowering their natural sweetness. Enjoy experimenting and finding the right balance that suits your taste!