Prepare the beurre blanc according to recipe and set aside. Keep warm.
Pat the scallops dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of clarified butter in a
12-inch stainless steel skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Sear 6 scallops,
turning once, until golden brown on each side and just cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes
total. Transfer the scallops to a platter as cooked and keep warm, loosely covered with foil. Sear
remaining scallops in same manner, wiping out skillet and adding another tablespoon of clarified
butter between batches.
To serve, spoon 2 tablespoons of the beurre blanc onto a plate, then top with 2 scallops. Lightly
sprinkle the mint chiffonade over the entire plate. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
*To make clarified butter, melt 1 pound of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan. Cook butter over
medium-high heat until it foams. Reduce heat to medium and gently simmer. Once the bubbling
ceases, carefully pour through a cheesecloth or coffee filter-lined strainer into a heatproof container.
Cool completely, seal well and refrigerate for up to 6 months.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the shallots, wine and vinegar. Simmer over low heat until
the liquid has almost completely evaporated. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Lower
the heat to medium and quickly whisk the butter until all of the butter has been incorporated.
Taste, and adjust for seasoning. If it tastes flat, add more wine vinegar, a few drops at a time until
the flavor brightens. If the sauce is too acidic, whisk in more butter.
* Note: this recipe does not require straining out the shallot before continuing with the cream and
the butter. If presentation requires a smooth, velvety sauce, by all means, strain out the shallots.
Recipe by Draeger’s Cooking School
