Description
This elegant Pan-Seared Scallops with Mashed Potatoes recipe features perfectly crusted sea scallops served atop creamy, buttery Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick and sophisticated seafood dinner that’s full of flavor and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the scallops:
- 1 pound sea scallops (about 12 large)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
For the mashed potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.
- Mash the potatoes: Return the hot potatoes to the pot and add warmed whole milk, heavy cream, and unsalted butter. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the pot to keep warm while preparing scallops.
- Prepare the scallops: Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels to ensure a golden crust. Remove the small side muscle if still attached. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the scallops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the scallops in a single layer, spaced apart, and sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip each scallop, add the tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan, and sear for another 1–2 minutes while basting with the melted butter.
- Finish the dish: Remove scallops from heat and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Serve the scallops over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, spooning any pan juices over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are very dry before searing to achieve the best crust.
- You can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes with russet or red potatoes for the mashed potatoes.
- For added flavor, incorporate roasted garlic or Parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes.
