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 attention, however, you should NOT be intimidated to undertake risotto

Risotto isn’t difficult to make—it’s just more finicky than cooking rice. Pay attention to what you’re doing. No leaving the kitchen to do laundry or falling asleep on the couch while preparing risotto. This is CRITICAL.

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

The Best Risotto Recipe

This recipe is really all about the risotto. The scallops need to be just right, but the risotto carries the recipe. My favorite risotto recipe is made with shallots, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a little white wine. It’s cheesy, creamy, garlicky and fresh.

Tips for Making Perfect Risotto

1. The biggest tip on risotto, use a solid non-stick pan. Cast iron may not be the best choice as the risotto will stick and burn the pan easily.
2. Always use warm/hot stock. Cold broth/stock will delay the cooking process each time you add it. Warm broth keeps risotto warm and sizzling.
3. 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.
4. Cook on medium heat. You want a continuous low simmer the entire time. Too low and the risotto will never cook!
5. Always add cheese, cream, and herbs at the end. You don’t want to interfere with the cooking process.

Prep is another really important factor. This recipe has a few synchronized moving parts so laying out all your ingredients beforehand in prep bowls cuts down on stress and the frantic panic of zooming from your stove to the fridge. Am I the only one who does this?

Searing Scallops

The perfect scallop has a tender inside with a caramelized edge. If you use too much butter or oil, you won’t get a viable sear. It’s best to start with a hot pan and sear on each side, and then add butter, citrus, and herbs to finish cooking and flavorize.

While risotto is certainly a fancy addition to any date night, it’s easy enough to nail if you take your time and also don’t have Gordon Ramsay and his camera crew breathing down your neck.

More Scallop Recipes You’ll Love

• Sweet and smokey bacon-wrapped scallops
• Lemon butter scallops

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