Pan Seared Scallops With Lemon Caper Sauce

Step 1

In a medium-sized bowl combine salt and hot water, stirring to dissolve the salt. Add ice water to cool the brine. Add scallops to the brine and let stand for 10 minutes. Line a sheet pan with paper towels, set aside.

Step 2

Drain the scallops, rinse under cold water, and then arrange in a single layer on the paper towel-lined sheet pan. Place another paper towel on top of the scallops and gently pat scallops. Remove as much surface moisture as possible for the best browning results when cooked.

Step 3

Allow scallops to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature before cooking.

Step 4

In a 12-inch saute pan or cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until oil ripples and just begins to smoke.

Step 5

Sprinkle scallops lightly with salt on both sides.

Step 6

Place scallops into the hot pan without crowding. Gently press scallops with a spatula to make direct contact with the pan.

Step 7

Sear scallops without moving them, continuing to cook until bottoms are a rich golden brown, 3 to 3 ½ minutes.

Step 8

Add butter to the pan. Turn the scallops over and cook the second side. Use a spoon to baste the scallops with the butter, tilting the pan to collect the butter as needed.

Step 9

When the scallops are opaque in color and firm to the touch, about 1 to 2 minutes, turn off heat and transfer to a plate, do not discard pan.

Step 10

In the same pan used for cooking the scallops turn heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 11

Increase heat to medium-high and add wine. Simmer wine, stirring as needed until the wine is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Step 12

Turn heat to high and add the chicken stock, lemon zest, lemon juice and capers to the pan. Cook until sauce is reduced by half, about ½ cup, 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 13

Turn off heat and whisk in Dijon mustard.

Step 14

Turn heat to medium and add scallops back to pan, cook until warm, 2 minutes.

Step 15

Taste sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 16

Garnish scallops with chopped dill, chives and serve immediately with lemon wedges.