Scallops are a wonderful ingredient, packed with “ocean flavor”. So they don’t require much. Just a perfect timed cooking and some simple ingredients to enhance their flavor.
Add a pinch of salt and some freshly grinded black pepper, just before cooking.
Many recipes say that you should fry them in butter. I don’t recommend that. Scallops take about 5 minutes in a hot pan and butter doesn’t deal well with high temps. It will get brown and bitter. Use olive oil instead.
Scallops take about 2 and a half minutes each side. Don’t let them overcook.
To the sauce, I used butter, fresh thyme, lemon zest, garlic and lemon juice. I add these at the flameout at let it cook for about half minute.
We garnished the scallops with some tortelloni nero with the same sauce.
This is a special dish for special occasions. Why don't you try it on your NYE dinner?