This year I have focused on creating or adapting recipes that meet three criteria: 1) they must pack a lot flavor, the more intense the better; 2) they must be adaptable to a low carb or keto diet; and 3) they must be quick to prepare. These low carb seared scallops and creamed spinach met all of the criteria in spades!
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The richness of large buttery scallops with a crisp sear is hard to beat. The perfect side dish is a robust creamed spinach seasoned lightly with caramelized onions, garlic, dry sherry and heavy whipping cream.
Secrets for perfectly seared scallops
There are four tips that will go a long ways to getting seared scallops that can compete with a five-star restaurant:
- Get the scallops as dry as possible before seasoning or searing. This is particularly important if you are using frozen scallops. I live in Minnesota and buy my scallops from Costco. They are frozen and when thawed they are quite wet. It is important to dry them thoroughly with paper towels and let them air dry for a bit.
- Get the oil smoking hot in the skillet before placing the seasoned scallops in.
- Sear the first side 1-2 minutes and don’t move them around while they are getting the sear.
- Cook them quickly. 1-2 minutes on the first side; flip and cook 1 more minute on the flip side.
Seasoning the Scallops
I love freshly ground fennel (along with salt and pepper) as my seasoning of choice. If you don’t care for fennel, paprika is a nice spice. Just know that Hungarian paprika, Spanish paprika, smoked paprika and hot paprika are all quite different. I like this mildly spiced smoked paprika
Whatever spice blend you use make sure and add some salt to bring out the subtle flavors of the spice blend and the seafood.
Is Creamed Spinach Slow Carb?
The cream in the spinach does not follow a strict slow carb regimen, but it is fine on low carb or ketogenic lifestyles. Ferriss always tells you to experiment, and adding cream to otherwise slow-carb compliant ingredients is an experiment with dairy that works for many people.
My daughter did her study abroad in Spain, which gave my husband and I a great excuse for an overseas visit. My husband got hooked on creamed spinach dishes while there, so I’ve been re-creating creamed spinach in a variety of dishes.
A slight variation on this dinner is this Spanish Creamed Spinach and Scallops, which seasons the spinach with smoked paprika and uses no wine or sherry. They are both delicious, creamy and as easy as you can get!
For another scallop dish that is uniquely delicious, check out this Scallops in Grapefruit Butter recipe.
Low Carb Seared Scallops with Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 16 large sea scallops
- 4 tsp olive oil divided
- 3 Tbsp. butter unsalted
- 1 Lg onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup dry sherry Or dry white wine
- 12 oz. spinach Frozen in bag
- 1 Tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ Tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup Grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp ground fennel optional: can use smoked paprika
Instructions
- Drain the scallops, pat them as dry as you can with paper towels and set them aside to dry out further.
- Melt 1 Tbsp butter and 2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions to the skillet and saute for about 5 min. Or until light brown and caramelized. Once onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic for about 30 seconds (do not burn)
- Add wine to deglaze the skillet and cook over med-high for a minute or two to blend. Add the spinach, cream, salt and pepper and nutmeg to the skillet and cook over med-low heat for about 5 minutes or until thoroughly blended. Taste and add more seasoning if needed. Fold in the cheese and remove from heat.
- Pat the scallops dry again with paper towels, getting them as dry as you can to take a good sear. Season them with salt and pepper and ground fennel (sometimes I use smoked paprika).
- In a clean, large skillet,heat 2 Tbsp of oil over high heat until shimmering hot. Place half of the scallops in the skillet, starting with the 6:00 position and moving clockwise around the skillet. Cook them, undisturbed, until browned on the bottom (resist the temptation to pick them up and look or move them, they will come away from the pan easily once they are seared). Flip them (after about 2-3 minutes and continue to cook about 1 minute longer. Repeat with remaining scallops, adding (and heating)more oil to the skillet before searing if needed.
- Serve over the spinach and enjoy.
Dorothy
Wednesday 20th of April 2022
Can I use something to replace the sherry or wine.
dorothy stainbrook
Wednesday 20th of April 2022
If you want to substitute for the wine, look for something with a bit of acid like a mild vinegar, lemon juice or even apple juice. Chicken stock or vegetable stock will work to add some liquid and a tiny bit of flavor but it doesn’t add the acidity. Here is a link to some other alternatives: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/wine-substitutes
Laurel
Sunday 20th of March 2022
Loved it! I posted a pic on Instagram and tagged you! Thank you or the great meal! Super easy too.
dorothy stainbrook
Sunday 20th of March 2022
Thank you Laurel. That is really helpful to me, and also to others that might enjoy it. I appreciate the share!
Candy
Tuesday 15th of March 2022
I assume you thaw and drain the spinach first.
Laurel
Sunday 20th of March 2022
@dorothy stainbrook, I made mine with the spinach still frozen, no issues. So Good!!!!
dorothy stainbrook
Wednesday 16th of March 2022
Yes, thaw it for sure. Draining doesn’t have to be squeezing all water out of it, as much of it will evaporate while cooking. I would allow it to drain in a colander as it thaws.
Daun
Sunday 21st of June 2020
Your low carb seared scallion on creamed spinach is incredible... it is now a regular meal in our home.
dorothy stainbrook
Sunday 21st of June 2020
I’m so happy you like it Daun! I just bought some more scallops today as I hadn’t made it in a while. If you ever have a chance or the time, share a photo. Thanks for the comment!
Low Carb Scallops with Grapefruit Butter - Fish and Seafood
Wednesday 14th of August 2019
[…] For another great recipe featuring low carb scallops, click here. […]