Sauteed Scallops in Mustard Sauce

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 I have made this recipe many, many times. It is always a success. You can make it with bay or sea scallops. A nice and inexpensive Muscadet goes well with it as well as with other shellfish.

yield: Serves 2

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ingredients

3/4 pound sea or bay scallops
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large shallot, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
2 scallion greens, cut diagonally into 1/4-inch slices (about 2 tablespoons)

White Rice

Preparation

Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper. In a 10-to 12-inch non-stick skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté scallops 1 to 2 minutes on each side (depending on size), or until golden and just cooked through. Transfer scallops with tongs to a plate and keep warm, covered loosely.

In oil remaining in skillet cook shallot over moderate heat, stirring, until softened. Add wine and boil, scraping up brown bits, 1 minute. Stir in water and mustard and simmer until reduced to about 1/4 cup. Add butter and swirl skillet, returning skillet to heat as necessary, until butter is just incorporated into sauce. Season sauce with salt and pepper.

Spoon sauce onto a small platter or 2 plates. Top sauce with scallops and sprinkle with scallion. Serve scallops with white rice.