Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Polenta

Lisa - NorthEast Nosh Recipes

I am a food enthusiast living in Northeastern Ohio. Having lived in several states, before landing in Ohio, I have experienced many different food cultures. My belief is that food nourishes our bodies, hearts and minds. Food brings people together, there is nothing better than enjoying a good meal with family and friends. That being said, I have stacks of recipes from over the decades in 3-ring binders, old cookbooks and digital recipes on my computer. My original thought was to catalog all of them on my computer and get rid of the binders and such. My next thought was to share them. If they are on this website, they were worth sharing I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! (I will try my best to credit the original creator/author of the recipe if I can).

July 7, 2025

Seared Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Polenta is a luxurious, flavorful dish that combines tender, perfectly seared scallops with a rich and creamy polenta base, all topped with a fragrant herb butter. This dish offers a delicate balance of textures and flavors, making it a stunning choice for dinner parties, special occasions, or a simple yet sophisticated weeknight meal.

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Seared Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Polenta is a luxurious, flavorful dish that combines tender, perfectly seared scallops with a rich and creamy polenta base, all topped with a fragrant herb butter. This dish offers a delicate balance of textures and flavors, making it a stunning choice for dinner parties, special occasions, or a simple yet sophisticated weeknight meal. The light sweetness of the scallop’s pairs beautifully with the savory, buttery polenta and fresh herbs, creating a comforting yet refined meal that will delight your taste buds. Halal-friendly and free from any pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol, this dish is suitable for all dietary preferences while still maintaining an indulgent quality.

Perfect for:

Elegant dinner parties
Special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays
Comforting weeknight meals
Seafood lovers
Halal dietary needs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter will quickly become one of your favorite dishes:

Delicate and Sweet Scallops: Seared scallops have a naturally sweet, tender flavor that, when perfectly seared, creates a beautiful contrast of crispy golden edges and soft, juicy centers.
Creamy Polenta Base: The rich and velvety texture of the polenta acts as a perfect complement to the seared scallops, offering a creamy, comforting base that elevates the entire dish.
Herb Butter Sauce: The herb butter, made from fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of lemon, adds an aromatic and savory element that ties everything together in perfect harmony.
Quick and Easy to Prepare: Despite its sophisticated flavors, this recipe is simple to make and takes only about 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for a hassle-free, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Halal-Friendly: This recipe is free from pork, bacon, and alcohol, making it perfect for anyone following a Halal diet while still offering a refined and delicious seafood dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter:

Scallops:

1 lb (450g) fresh sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)

Creamy Polenta:

1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (for extra flavor)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Herb Butter Sauce:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

Scallops: Scallops are low in fat and rich in protein, making them a healthy and indulgent seafood option. Their naturally sweet and tender flavor is perfect when simply seared.
Polenta: Polenta is a comforting and versatile dish made from cornmeal. It absorbs flavors beautifully and, when prepared with butter and Parmesan cheese, becomes wonderfully creamy and rich.
Herb Butter: The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and butter adds a fragrant and savory element that enhances the flavor of the scallops and polenta.
Lemon: Lemon adds a refreshing, zesty brightness that balances the richness of the butter and polenta, and also complements the natural sweetness of the scallops.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these easy steps to prepare Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter:

Prepare the Creamy Polenta:

Cook the Polenta: In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Gradually add the polenta, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, or until the polenta thickens and becomes creamy.
Add Butter and Cheese: Once the polenta has reached the desired consistency, stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep the polenta warm while you prepare the scallops.

Prepare the Herb Butter:

Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped parsley, thyme, basil, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Cook the Scallops:

Sear the Scallops: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the scallops in the pan, ensuring they do not overlap. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and opaque in the center. Do not move the scallops around in the pan while cooking to ensure they form a beautiful sear.
Finish with Butter: After flipping the scallops, add the 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. As the butter melts, spoon it over the scallops for added flavor and richness. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.

Assemble the Dish:

Plate the Dish: Spoon a generous portion of the creamy polenta onto each plate. Arrange the seared scallops on top of the polenta, then drizzle with the prepared herb butter sauce.
Serve: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus, and serve immediately while everything is hot and flavorful.

How to Serve Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter:

Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter can be served in a variety of ways to suit your occasion:

As a Main Course: This dish is filling enough to be served as the centerpiece of a meal. Pair it with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of steamed asparagus for a balanced, sophisticated dinner.
With a Side Salad: Serve with a crisp, fresh salad of mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the polenta and the scallops.
For Special Occasions: This dish makes an elegant addition to any special occasion, from a formal dinner party to a romantic anniversary meal. The combination of flavors is sure to impress your guests.
With White Wine or Sparkling Water: Pair with a crisp, non-alcoholic sparkling water for a refreshing beverage, or opt for a mild white wine like Sauvignon Blanc (ensure it’s alcohol-free if required).

Additional Tips for Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter:

Here are some tips to elevate your Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter:

Pat the Scallops Dry: Ensure the scallops are thoroughly patted dry before searing. This helps achieve a perfect golden crust.
Don’t Overcook the Scallops: Scallops cook quickly, and overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture. Aim for a crisp exterior and a tender, juicy center.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. Use a combination of parsley, thyme, and basil for a fragrant and flavorful butter sauce.
Adjust the Consistency of Polenta: If the polenta becomes too thick while cooking, simply add a little more water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations of Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter:

Here are some variations of Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter you can try:

Spicy Scallops: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the polenta for a mild heat that complements the sweetness of the scallops.
Lemon-Garlic Butter: For an extra citrusy punch, increase the lemon juice and zest in the herb butter, and add more minced garlic.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Wrap each scallop with a slice of Halal turkey bacon before searing for an added smoky flavor.
Mushroom Polenta: Top the polenta with sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Saffron Polenta: Infuse the polenta with a small pinch of saffron for a fragrant, exotic flavor.
Crispy Scallops: Lightly dredge the scallops in a mixture of flour and cornmeal before searing to add a crispy texture to the exterior.
Herb-Infused Polenta: Stir fresh herbs like rosemary or sage into the polenta while it cooks for added depth of flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter

Freezing: While scallops don’t freeze well after being seared, you can freeze the creamy polenta for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container before freezing. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat with a little extra butter and water to loosen it up.
Storage: Store leftover polenta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The scallops should be eaten fresh for the best taste and texture.

Special Equipment for Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter

Here are some special equipment items you might need:

Non-stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures the scallops sear evenly and do not stick to the pan.
Medium Saucepan: A medium saucepan is perfect for cooking the polenta and stirring it until it reaches the perfect creamy consistency.
Zester: A zester helps you get the fine lemon zest needed for the herb butter sauce without the bitter pith.
Mixing Bowl: A small bowl is ideal for combining the herb butter ingredients.
Ladle: A ladle is helpful for serving the creamy polenta onto plates without spilling.

FAQ Section about Seared Scallops with Creamy Polenta and Herb Butter

Can I use frozen scallops instead of fresh? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen scallops may release more moisture during cooking, which can prevent them from searing properly.
Can I make the polenta in advance? Yes, you can prepare the polenta in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it with a little water or broth before serving.
Can I use a different type of seafood? Yes, you can substitute the scallops with shrimp, fish fillets, or other shellfish like lobster. Adjust the cooking times accordingly for different types of seafood.
How do I prevent the scallops from overcooking? Keep an eye on the scallops while cooking. They typically take just 2-3 minutes per side. Once the edges are golden and the center is opaque, remove them from the pan.
Can I make the herb butter without garlic? Absolutely! If you prefer a milder herb butter, simply omit the garlic and increase the amount of fresh herbs and lemon zest for a bright, herbaceous flavor.

More Recipe Suggestions:

Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Caper Sauce

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Bacon-Wrapped Maple Glazed Scallops

Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp

Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken with Cheddar Polenta

Scallops with Herb Brown Butter over Polenta

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings Servings

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Scallops:

1 lb 450g fresh sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh lemon wedges for serving

For the Creamy Polenta:

1 cup coarse cornmeal polenta
4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Herb Butter Sauce:

½ cup unsalted butter softened
2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped
1 garlic clove minced
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights:

Scallops: Scallops are low in fat and rich in protein making them a healthy and indulgent seafood option. Their naturally sweet and tender flavor is perfect when simply seared.
Polenta: Polenta is a comforting and versatile dish made from cornmeal. It absorbs flavors beautifully and when prepared with butter and Parmesan cheese, becomes wonderfully creamy and rich.
Herb Butter: The combination of fresh herbs garlic, lemon, and butter adds a fragrant and savory element that enhances the flavor of the scallops and polenta.
Lemon: Lemon adds a refreshing zesty brightness that balances the richness of the butter and polenta, and also complements the natural sweetness of the scallops.

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