Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (2024)

HOME Recipes Main Course Seafood

By Shawn Williams

4.16 from 38 votes

Jan 13, 2022, Updated Sep 28, 2023

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Lemon butter scallops over risotto have become one of our new favorite fancy weeknight meals. It’s a tad more involved than your typical 20-minute dinner because the risotto requires a little extra time and attention, however, you should NOT be intimidated to undertake risotto.

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (2)

Risotto isn’t difficult to make—it’s just more finicky than cooking rice. Pay attention to what you’re doing.

Table of Contents

  • Why I Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to Prep Sea Scallops
  • How to Make Scallops Over Risotto
  • Tips for Making Perfect Risotto
  • Tips for Searing Scallops
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Scallop Recipes You’ll Love
  • Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

Scallops over risotto is a delicious and hearty, yet simple celebration meal. I started by using mylemon butter scallops recipeand paired it with my absolute favorite complementary mushroom risotto recipe. The caramelized lemon butter scallops are the perfect addition to the creamy and savory characteristics of risotto.

My favorite risotto recipe is made with shallots, garlic, Parmesan cheese, optional mushrooms, and a little white wine. It’s cheesy, creamy, garlicky, and so fresh. While you can experiment with adding saffron, I prefer this recipe without it.

If you’re looking for other date-night-worthy seafood dishes, try my bacon-wrapped scallops, baked lobster tails, or fancy baked oysters!

Ingredients

  • Large/jumbo sea scallops:get the largest scallops you can find. Baby scallops will shrink and is much harder to get a good uniform sear.
  • Oil:canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil works best thanks to their high smoke points. You can also use olive oil if that’s all you have.
  • Butter:you can use salted or unsalted. You may need to add a pinch more salt if using unsalted butter.
  • Fresh parsley:both flat leave and Italian parsley can be used interchangeably. Always use fresh herbs!
  • Mushrooms: I like shiitake, baby bella, chanterelle, white, and oyster.
  • Chicken broth: I prefer low sodium so I can salt to taste. Look for a 48-ounce can so you have enough.
  • Arborio rice: Arborio rice is the perfect short-grain rice for risotto because it’s capable of absorbing large amounts of liquid, creating a creamy texture.
  • White wine: dry white wine is used to deglaze the pan however you can omit and use broth if you prefer. I usually save old white wine in the fridge for cooking.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: always use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor. Pregrated cheeses are treated with preservatives that may prevent smooth melting.
  • Shallots: shallots are fragrant and sweeter than onions, making them perfect for risotto. Always finely mince so they blend. You can use white or yellow onion as a substitute.
  • Garlic:mince the garlic as fine as possible or use a microplane for even better results. Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.

How to Prep Sea Scallops

Most scallops will have a chewy side muscle that resembles arectangular tag of tissue on thesideof thescallop. Rinse scallops under cool water and then get them as dry as possible. pat scallops dry with a paper towel or a clean dish towel. Remove the side muscle by simply pulling it off with your hands. Note, the side muscle may not be as obvious as the ones pictured in the steps below.

How to Make Scallops Over Risotto

For the risotto

Step 1.

Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic. Simmer until softened, 1-2 minutes. Add mushrooms, and cook for 1-2 additional minutes.

Step 2.

Add risotto and stir for 1 minute. Add the white wine and simmer for an additional minute. Add warm chicken broth to the pan ½ cup at a time, stirring after each addition. Allow the risotto to absorb 2/3 of the broth before each addition. Continue until soft and creamy, about 30-40 minutes. Note, the chicken broth will absorb in about 2 minutes or so after each addition.

Step 3.

Season generously with salt and pepper and stir in Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Divide and transfer to bowls when ready to serve.

Expert Tips

Tips for Making Perfect Risotto

  • The biggest tip on risotto, use a non-stick pan or clean stainless steel pan. Cast iron may not be the best choice as the risotto will stick and burn the pan easily. Save the cast iron searing for the scallops.
  • Always use warm/hot chicken stock. Cold broth/stock will delay the cooking process each time you add it. Warm broth keeps risotto warm and sizzling.
  • Don’t rush the process or let the broth/stock run dry. Dry risotto in the pan isn’t cooking. Conversely adding too much stock at once will just boil the risotto. You want just enough water to release the risotto’s starches and make it creamy.
  • Cook on medium heat. You want a continuous low simmer the entire time. Too low and the risotto will never cook!
  • Always add cheese, cream, and herbs at the end. You don’t want to interfere with the cooking process.

For the scallops

Step 1.

Meanwhile, rinse scallops under cool water and remove the side muscle if still intact. Pat scallops as dry as possible using two sheets of paper towel or a clean dish towel. Season all over with salt and pepper. Mince the parsley and garlic and set aside.

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (3)
Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (4)

Step 2.

Add the oil to a 12-inchcast iron skilletand bring to high heat. Once the skillet is hot and starts to smoke, add the scallops to the pan and sear for 2 minutes per side, undisturbed, or until a golden brown crust forms.

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (5)
Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (6)
Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (7)

Step 3.

Remove scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Remove the skillet from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Add the butter, garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley to the skillet, stirring occasionally until fully melted. Cook on low heat if needed.

Quick Tip

You can optionally cook the lemon butter sauce in a separate saucepan to decrease darkening due to the crust developed in the pan. Drizzle over scallops at the very end.

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (8)

Step 4.

Return the scallops to the skillet on low heat and cook for an additional 30-90 seconds. Use a spoon to spoon the butter over the scallops. Place on a serving dish and drizzle with extra lemon butter sauce as desired. Sprinkle with a pinch of leftover fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (9)

Step 5.

Return the scallops to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes per side. Divide scallops and serve over risotto in a bowl and drizzle with extra lemon butter sauce as desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (10)

Expert Tips

Tips for Searing Scallops

  • Getting the scallops as dry as possible is critical to getting a good sear. Do not skip this step.
  • It’s important to get the skillet smoking hot before adding the scallops. This ensures a good caramelized sear.
  • Use canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil for searing because they have higher smoke points.
  • It helps to arrange the scallops around the perimeter of the pan if possible as it’s usually the hottest part of the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any substitutes for arborio rice?

Arboria rice is likely the most readily available rice for risotto. Another popular option is carnaroli.

Is one cup of risotto enough for four servings?

1/4 cup of dry risotto is the recommended single serving of risotto. It can be difficult to judge because everyone’s appetite is different. Increase to 1 1/4-1 1/2 cups (dry) for hungrier guests. You may need additional broth but you can likely keep other ingredients uniform.

Why can’t I get a golden sear on my scallops?

The pan needs to be very hot with just a light coating of oil. Too much oil or moisture will prevent a golden sear. Ensure scallops are very dry and generously seasoned.

More Scallop Recipes You’ll Love

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe

Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Recipe

Enjoy this recipe? If you made this recipe, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & areview in the comments!

4.16 from 38 votes

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe

By: Shawn Williams

Servings: 4

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 30 minutes mins

Total: 45 minutes mins

Save

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (14)

Simple lemon butter scallops served over my favorite risotto recipe made with shallots, garlic, mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and a little white wine.

Ingredients

  • 12-16 jumbo sea scallops, side muscle removed
  • 2 cups mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed, and cut into 1/2- to 1-inch pieces (shiitake, baby bella, chanterelle, white, or oyster are good)
  • 5-6 cups warm chicken broth, warm
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, always use freshly grated
  • 1-2 shallots, minced
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • lemon wedges for serving
  • oil, for cooking

lemon butter sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  • juice of half a lemon, squeezed

Instructions

For the risotto

  • Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic. Simmer until softened, 1-2 minutes. Add mushrooms, and cook for 1-2 additional minutes.

  • Add risotto and stir for 1 minute. Add the white wine and simmer for an additional minute. Add warm chicken broth to the pan ½ cup at a time, stirring after each addition. Allow the risotto to absorb 2/3 of the broth before each addition. Continue until soft and creamy, about 30-40 minutes. Note, the chicken broth will absorb in about 2 minutes or so after each addition.

  • Season generously with salt and pepper and stir in Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Divide and transfer to bowls when ready to serve.

For the scallops

  • Rinse scallops under cool water and remove the side muscle if still intact. Pat scallops as dry as possible using two sheets of paper towel or a clean dish towel. Season all over with salt and pepper. Mince the parsley and garlic and set aside.

  • Add the oil to a 12-inch cast iron skillet and bring to high heat. Once the skillet is hot and starts to smoke, add the scallops to the pan and sear for 2 minutes per side, undisturbed, or until a golden brown crust forms. It helps to arrange the scallops around the perimeter of the pan if possible as it’s usually the hottest part of the pan.

  • Remove scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Remove the skillet from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Give the pan a quick wipe if you prefer. Add the butter, garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley to the skillet, stirring occasionally until fully melted. Cook on low heat if needed.

  • Return the scallops to the skillet on low heat and cook for an additional 30-90 seconds. Use a spoon to spoon the butter over the scallops. Divide scallops and serve over risotto in a bowl and drizzle with extra lemon butter sauce as desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

The biggest tip on risotto, use a non-stick pan or clean stainless steel pan. Cast iron may not be the best choice as the risotto will stick and burn the pan easily. Save the cast iron searing for the scallops.

Always use warm/hot chicken stock. Cold broth/stock will delay the cooking process each time you add it. Warm broth keeps risotto warm and sizzling.

Don’t rush the process or let the broth/stock run dry. Dry risotto in the pan isn’t cooking. Conversely adding too much stock at once will just boil the risotto. You want just enough water to release the risotto’s starches and make it creamy.

Cook on medium heat. You want a continuous low simmer the entire time. Too low and the risotto will never cook!

Always add cheese, cream, and herbs at the end. You don’t want to interfere with the cooking process.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 764kcalCarbohydrates: 63.6gProtein: 39.3gFat: 32.7gSaturated Fat: 12.3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 949mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Tried this recipe?Mention @kitchenswagger or tag #kitchenswagger!

About Shawn Williams

My name is Shawn, author behind Kitchen Swagger. I'm a food & drink enthusiast bringing you my own simple and delicious restaurant-inspired recipes.

Read More About Me

Lemon Butter Scallops Over Parmesan Risotto Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Gordon Ramsay's recipe for risotto? ›

ingredients
  1. 1 large shallot, chopped finely.
  2. 4 tablespoons olive oil.
  3. 8 ounces baby portabella mushrooms, sliced.
  4. 10 ounces arborio rice.
  5. 12 cup dry white wine.
  6. 4 cups low sodium chicken broth.
  7. 8 ounces plum tomatoes, skinned, seeded and finely chopped.
  8. 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped.

Is it better to use butter than oil to cook scallops? ›

Scallops have a mild, sweet flavor with a buttery, tender, soft texture. Are scallops healthy? Scallops are low-fat and high in protein with lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While I recommend cooking them in butter for the best sear, you can cook them in vegetable, canola or grapeseed oil if preferred.

What do you soak scallops in before cooking? ›

Soaking scallops in milk before cooking can serve as a tenderizing agent, help eliminate mild fish odor, and aid in removing sand or grit.

Do you have to put Parmesan in risotto? ›

The quantity of Parmesan cheese used is quite small and can be omitted, though you may find that the risotto needs a tiny pinch of salt as extra seasoning as Parmesan is quite salty. The risotto has an egg yolk added at the end and this yolk gives extra richness and will also help to thicken the risotto a little more.

What is the secret to great risotto? ›

Never wash your rice beforehand as this removes the starch, which is what helps give risotto its smooth texture. Cook your risotto on a low, simmering heat and add the stock gradually, one ladle at a time. This gives the rice time to fully absorb the liquid and flavours. Rushing your risotto will only ruin its texture.

What is the secret ingredient in risotto? ›

For risotto, that ingredient is salted water, according to chef and writer Naomi Pomeroy (via The Kitchn).

Why do you soak scallops in milk before cooking? ›

Soaking scallops in milk

According to Livestrong.com, the milk will neutralize any fishy notes and aromas while also making the flesh more tender. Not only is this milk-soaking technique effective for scallops, but it also works for a range of seafood and fish.

What happens if you don't rinse scallops before cooking? ›

A: You should always rinse scallops thoroughly to remove grit, but there shouldn't be so much grit that you have to soak them. In fact, soaking isn't recommended because the scallops can absorb water and get soggy, less flavorful and difficult to sear properly.

What is the secret to perfect scallops? ›

The secret is that you just pat them dry (buy dry-packed scallops), season with salt and pepper, and put them in a hot pan coated with oil and you leave them alone. Don't touch them. Don't move them.

Should scallops sit out before cooking? ›

Remove and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Heat a heavy 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. To check if the pan is hot enough, add a large drop of water (⅛ teaspoon) to the skillet.

Should you wash store bought scallops? ›

Even better, they're a cinch to prep. Unlike other bivalves, the sea scallops you buy at the store are actually just the adductor muscle that opens and closes the shell. They're almost always sold shucked, so you don't have to deal with scrubbing shells or removing grit as you would for clams or mussels.

How do Italians serve risotto? ›

Eating Risotto The Italian Way: Plate vs. Bowl
  1. Highlighting the Grain: A flat plate easily showcases the risotto's grain texture, emphasizing the creaminess and aroma of its ingredients. ...
  2. Quick Heat Dissipation: Risotto on a flat plate cools rapidly, ensuring it's at the perfect temperature when you're ready to eat.

What makes risotto creamy? ›

Yes, the foundational creaminess of well-made risotto should come from the starches that the grains release slowly over the cooking process—but a bit of actual cream doesn't hurt, either. Make sure to season the risotto with salt after you've added the whipped cream.

Should you stir risotto while cooking? ›

When cooking risotto on a stovetop, you're required to periodically stir it to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. Some people, however, stir it too frequently. This adds air into the risotto, cooling it down and making it gluey.

How does Hell's Kitchen make their risotto? ›

"Boil salted water, throw in the rice, boil it for nine minutes, strain it and throw it on a sheet pan. It's 90% cooked, so all you're doing is just picking it up. Once it's blanched, I can make risotto, from beginning to end, in three minutes."

What kind of rice does Gordon Ramsay use for risotto? ›

For the risotto:

Add the Arborio rice to the onion and stir to coat the grains in oil. Add half of the stock to the pan and bring to a gentle simmer. Ensure it retains a constant heat and gently stir as it cooks – it should take around 20 minutes.

How do restaurants cook risotto so fast? ›

We par cook it. We make the recipe without finishing it with cream or butter or cheese. We pour the hot risotto onto a sheet tray to cool quickly and then store it in a container. Once we are ready to serve, we reheat the risotto with a little chicken stock, and finish with cream, butter, and some parmesan cheese.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 6488

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.