Chilean Creamy Scallops (known in Chile as Ostiones a la crema) are the epitome of sophisticated coastal dining. It is a favorite for romantic dinners and special celebrations, celebrated for its gourmet appeal and the rich, tender quality of the scallops, often served with their characteristic orange coral.
Contents
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of Chilean Creamy Scallops contains approximately 380 kcal, 15 g of protein, 28 g of fat, 8 g of carbohydrates, 120 mg of cholesterol, and 350 mg of so
(*) Estimated values may vary depending on the size of the oysters and the fat content of the cream.
How to Make Creamy Scallops
For this recipe, scallops are first cleaned and cooked in a pan with butter and garlic. Then, cream is added, and it’s cooked over low heat until the sauce thickens.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 24 fresh scallops
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 cup of Chardonnay white wine
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 lemon
- ½ diced onion
- Fresh chopped chives
- Crispy chopped bacon (optional)
- Merkén (optional)
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add butter and olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for a few minutes until slightly golden. Pour in the white wine, increase the heat to bring it to a boil, reduce the heat by half, and cook slowly until the mixture is reduced by half.
- Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and optionally chopped bacon. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste, optionally add a pinch of merkén, and keep warm.
- In a medium skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil, heat over high heat, add the previously seasoned scallops, and cook for 1 minute on each side until golden. Serve the creamy oysters on individual plates, cover with the cream sauce, and garnish with fresh chopped chives.
Keys for Perfect Creamy Scallops
- The Wine Reduction: Boiling the Chardonnay until it reduces by half is a critical technical step. This process evaporates the harsh alcohol while concentrating the acidity and fruity notes of the wine, which cuts through the richness of the heavy cream.
- Flash Searing: Scallops are extremely delicate. To avoid a rubbery texture, sear them in a separate skillet over high heat for only 1 minute per side until golden. This creates a Maillard reaction on the outside while keeping the center tender and moist.
- The Butter-Oil Duo: Using a combination of butter and olive oil allows you to achieve the rich flavor of butter while increasing the smoke point, preventing the fat from burning during the sautéing of the onions and garlic.
- Texture Control: If the cream sauce is too thin, continue simmering over low heat. If it becomes too thick, a small splash of additional white wine or milk can bring it back to a silky consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is “Ostión” the same as an “Oyster”?
No. In Chile, ostiones are scallops (often served with their orange coral), whereas ostras are oysters. For this creamy recipe, scallops are the essential choice.
2. Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes. However, you must thaw them completely and pat them very dry with paper towels before searing. Any excess moisture will cause them to steam rather than achieve that golden crust.
3. Why use Chardonnay specifically?
Chile is world-renowned for its coastal Chardonnay, which offers a natural salinity and crisp acidity that perfectly balances the fats in the heavy cream and the sweetness of the scallops.
4. Should I remove the orange part (coral)?
In Chile, it is traditional and highly prized to leave the orange coral attached. It adds a deeper seafood flavor and a beautiful color contrast to the white scallop meat.
5. What is “Merkén”?
Merkén is a traditional Mapuche spice made from smoked goat’s horn chili. A small pinch adds a smoky, subtle heat that elevates the richness of the cream sauce.
Benefits of Consuming Scallops
- Scallops are low in calories and can be an excellent option for those looking to control their calorie intake while enjoying delicious seafood.
- They are one of the most concentrated sources of zinc, essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, wound healing, and skin health.
Did You Know?
Scallops are considered a natural aphrodisiac due to their high zinc content, which helps increase testosterone production in the body.
