Romantic Dinner Recipes: Perfect Pan-Seared Scallops for Two

Crafting the perfect evening at home starts with unforgettable food. When you’re searching for romantic dinner recipes, the goal is to find a meal that is both elegant and impressively simple. This Pan-Seared Scallops recipe with creamy lemon-garlic butter sauce is designed to be the star of your date night, creating a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

Forget the stress of complicated dishes. This recipe is straightforward, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the moment. It’s the perfect answer for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or any night you want to make extra special.

Why This is the Perfect Romantic Dinner Recipe

This meal is designed to impress. The combination of sweet, perfectly seared scallops, rich and creamy Parmesan risotto, and crisp asparagus creates a harmony of flavors and textures that feels truly luxurious. It’s a classic “dinner for two” that proves you don’t need a reservation to have an incredible culinary experience.

What makes this one of the best romantic dinner recipes is its elegant simplicity. Each component is easy to master, yet when combined, they create a dish that is sophisticated and deeply satisfying. You’ll feel like a professional chef without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines three main components. Here’s everything you need for a complete romantic meal for two:

For the Pan-Seared Scallops:

• 10 large sea scallops, patted very dry
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Risotto:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup Arborio rice
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 3-4 cups warm chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon-Garlic Asparagus:

• 1 bunch thin asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Romantic Dinner

Follow these steps to create your romantic dinner. The key is to have your ingredients prepped and ready to go (a technique called ‘mise en place’).

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Risotto

Risotto requires a little attention, but it’s very easy. Start by warming your broth in a separate saucepan over low heat.

1. In a medium saucepan or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the Arborio rice and stir constantly for about 1 minute until the edges of the rice look translucent.
3. Pour in the white wine and continue stirring until it’s fully absorbed by the rice.
4. Add one ladle of the warm broth to the rice, stirring until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding the broth one ladle at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 18-20 minutes. The risotto is done when it’s creamy and the rice is tender with a slight bite (al dente).
5. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside while you cook the rest of the meal.

Step 2: Cook the Lemon-Garlic Asparagus

While the risotto is simmering, you can prepare the asparagus. This side dish is quick and adds a fresh, vibrant element to your plate.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the trimmed asparagus in a single layer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until tender-crisp.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Remove from heat and toss with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Perfectly Sear the Scallops

The key to great scallops is a very hot pan and very dry scallops. This ensures a beautiful, golden-brown crust.

1. Ensure your scallops are completely dry by patting them with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet (you can use the same one from the asparagus) over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
3. Carefully place the scallops in the pan, making sure they are not touching. Sear for 90 seconds to 2 minutes on one side, without moving them, until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
4. Flip the scallops, add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and spoon the garlic butter over the scallops. Cook for another 60-90 seconds.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

To serve, spoon a generous amount of the creamy risotto onto two plates. Arrange the seared scallops on top or alongside the risotto. Place the cooked asparagus next to it, and drizzle any remaining lemon-garlic butter sauce from the scallop pan over the entire dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for a Flawless Romantic Dinner

• Don’t Rush the Risotto: The slow addition of broth is key to its creamy texture. Keep stirring!
• Hot Pan for Scallops: The secret to a perfect sear is a screaming hot pan. Don’t be afraid to let it get hot before adding the scallops.
• Dry Your Scallops: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Patting them completely dry is the most critical step for success.

Wine Pairing and Ambiance Suggestions

To elevate your meal, pair it with a crisp white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay will complement the richness of the scallops and risotto beautifully. For the ambiance, dim the lights, light a few candles, and put on a playlist of your favorite soft music. A little effort in setting the mood goes a long way in making the evening memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Romantic Dinner Recipes

More Romantic Dessert Ideas

No romantic dinner is complete without a sweet finish. If you want a decadent dessert that’s easy to make, try this No-Bake Nutella Cheesecake. For something light and elegant, these Chocolate Mousse Cups are a perfect choice. If you’re looking for something rich and comforting, you can’t go wrong with our classic Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe.

Share Your Perfect Date Night!

We hope this recipe helps you create a truly special and romantic evening. There’s nothing better than connecting over a delicious, homemade meal. If you make this dish, we would love to see it! Share your creations and tag us on Pinterest. Your feedback and photos inspire us!

Romantic Pan-Seared Scallops Recipe

FL Recipes

Romantic Dinner Recipes: Perfect Pan-Seared Scallops for Two

Create an elegant and impressive meal with this recipe for pan-seared scallops in a lemon-garlic butter sauce, served with creamy Parmesan risotto. The perfect romantic dinner for two.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 2 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, French

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 10 large sea scallops patted very dry
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small shallot finely chopped
• 3/4 cup Arborio rice
• 1/4 cup dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• 3-4 cups warm chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 bunch thin asparagus trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/2 Zest of lemon

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet
• 1 Medium Saucepan
• 1 Small Saucepan For warming broth

Method

 

1. Start the Risotto: Warm your broth in a separate saucepan over low heat. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice and stir constantly for 1 minute until the edges look translucent. Pour in the white wine and stir until fully absorbed.
3. Cook the Risotto: Add one ladle of warm broth to the rice, stirring until absorbed. Continue adding broth one ladle at a time, allowing each to be absorbed before adding the next. This will take about 18-20 minutes. The risotto is done when creamy and al dente.
4. Finish the Risotto: Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
5. Cook the Asparagus: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove from heat and toss with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
6. Sear the Scallops: Pat scallops completely dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over high heat until just smoking. Place scallops in the pan and sear for 90-120 seconds on one side until a golden-brown crust forms.
7. Finish the Scallops: Flip the scallops, add butter and garlic. As the butter melts, spoon it over the scallops. Cook for another 60-90 seconds. Remove from heat and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
8. Serve: Spoon risotto onto two plates. Arrange scallops and asparagus alongside. Drizzle any remaining butter sauce over the dish and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 750kcalProtein: 45gFat: 38gFiber: 5g

Notes

Dry Scallops are Key: For the best sear, make sure your scallops are as dry as possible before seasoning and placing them in the pan.
Warm Broth for Risotto: Using warm broth helps maintain the cooking temperature of the risotto, resulting in a creamier final dish.
Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking. This makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Keyword date night dinner,pan-seared scallops,risotto,romantic dinner recipes

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