Lemon Butter Scallops with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

I’m completely addicted to Master Chef.. to the point where I had a horrible dream with Gordon Ramsay in it. The next day I cooked this dish, imagining that Gordon Ramsay was screaming at me the whole time. The result was one of the best meals I’ve cooked! Haha so I guess there is a method to his madness! I was a little nervous about cooking scallops for the first time, but they were so simple! Seared in butter, the scallops melt in your mouth while the thick cut bacon and Brussels sprouts add nice texture and crunch! Try it out for yourself and impress your guests with a surprisingly easy, yet gourmet dish!

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(Serves 2 people)

Ingredients:

2 Tbs unsalted butter

½ lb (about 8 medium sized) fresh scallops

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Juice from half a lemon

4 strips of thick cut bacon

Freshly ground pepper

½ lb Brussells sprouts, halved and cut into thin strips

½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

 

(1.) Melt butter in a large skillet over medium to high heat. Season scallops with salt and pepper and add to skillet once hot. Squeeze lemon juice over the tops and cook for 2-3 minutes or until bottom is a nice golden brown. (2.) Flip them over and cook another 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Press your finger down on one to tell if it’s done. It should feel like a lightly flexed bicep.. and yes.. I flexed my arm while I checked the scallops so it’s okay if you do too! ; )

When scallops are finished cooking, put them on a plate and tent with foil. Place them in the oven or microwave to keep warm.

(3.) While waiting on the scallops to cook you should also start your bacon. In a separate skillet, cook bacon over medium heat. Lightly season with ground pepper. (4.) Before bacon turns crisp, add Brussels sprouts, onion, and garlic and toss to mix. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are softened but still bright green. You can also tear the bacon into small chunks, but I left mine whole for plating purposes.

Divide the Brussels sprouts between 2 plates and top with scallops. Serve right away!

Enjoy!