Ingredients for the Scallops:
• 12-16 large scallops 3-4 per person
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and Pepper
Ingredients for the Carbonara:
• 8 slices thick cut bacon diced (use bacon with less fat, or cut away excess fat)
• 1 shallot finely sliced
• 1 clove garlic leave whole
• 4 green onions
• 2 egg yolks
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmigiano reggiano grated
• fresh ground pepper
• 14 oz (400g) pasta of your choice (Linguine recommended)
Pasta Carbonara:
• Start cooking pasta in large stainless steel pot.
• In small bowl mix together cream, egg yolks and ¾ of cheese.
• In large skillet cook bacon until crisp, add shallots and ½ green onions.
• Smash down garlic clove a bit, add to bacon. (remove prior to adding pasta)
• When pasta is finished cooking, drain well, and then add it to the skillet of bacon.
• Toss well, and then transfer to large bowl.
• Add cream mixture to pasta and combined well. Make sure pasta is still hot in order to cook the eggs and melt the cheese.
• Arrange pasta on plate, top with seared scallops, add some fresh ground pepper, grated parmesan, and green onions.
Perfect Pan Seared Scallops:
• Blot scallops with paper towel to remove any water. Salt and pepper.
• Heat large non-stick frying pan, add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• Make sure frying pan is hot before adding scallops but not smoking.
• Add scallops leaving plenty of space between. Overcrowding the pan will drop the pan temperature and cause scallops to steam rather than sear.
• Sear for about 2-4 minutes or when bottom is a nice golden brown. Don't move them around in the pan or you will prevent them from forming that nice brown crust. After a couple of minutes have a peek to see if golden brown.
• Turn to sear other side. (about 1-3 more minutes)
• Add 2 tablespoons of butter to pan now.
• Spoon the melted butter over the scallops as the other side finishes cooking.
• Transfer to paper towel covered plate.
• Keep warm in oven, if making in batches.
NOTES:
This recipe tastes best served VERY fresh, so don't let it sit or Scallops and Pasta dry out quickly. Have ALL your ingredients and pots ready to go to make easy work of this.
