Seared Scallops Recipe with Saffron Cream Sauce

When it comes to a seafood dinner recipe, nothing is quite as elegant as a seared scallops recipe. We feature the magnificent mollusk in a low fat cream sauce filled with the flavors of saffron, shallots and white wine vinegar.

The key to preparing delicious scallops is not overcooking them. When they are over the heat for too long, they tend to lose their sweet taste and tender texture. In this delicious recipe, we maintain their delicateness by quickly searing them for a few minutes on each side.

Scallops are very versatile and can take on a wide range of flavors. We take this simple seafood dinner to the next level with a decadent cream sauce filled with fancy ingredients. White wine vinegar brings out the sweetness of the scallops and adds depth to the dish. Shallots—a fancier, sweeter version of onions—contribute big flavor with very little calories. Saffron provides its earthy aroma and beautiful color, truly making this meal something special. According to Healthline, saffron is considered the most expensive spice in the world. “The reason for its hefty price is its labor-intensive harvesting method,” they explain. Save this precious spice for meals that are worthy for a special occasion (like this recipe!).

To make this fancy seared scallops recipe, get started by patting your scallops dry and seasoning them with black pepper to taste. We use six ounces of scallops in order to make dinner for two (three ounces of scallops is one PowerFuel serving on Nutrisystem). Melt one tablespoon of light butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook two tablespoons of chopped shallots for about two minutes. Add your seasoned scallops to the skillet and cook them for about three minutes on each side.

Now that you’ve finished searing your scallops, remove them from the pan and set them aside while you prepare your cream sauce. Deglaze the skillet by adding a half-cup of white wine vinegar to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in a half-teaspoon of saffron and two tablespoons of fat free half-and-half. Continue cooking your sauce for three minutes, then return your seared scallops to the skillet to coat them in sauce before serving.

Pro tip: To complete your Flex meal, serve up your scallops with a high fiber SmartCarb! Brown rice risotto, roasted potatoes or quinoa are delicious options that fit into this fancy Flex meal. Check out our completed Grocery Guide for a comprehensive list of SmartCarb options!

Looking for another delicious way to prepare scallops? Try our healthy recipe for Spring Citrus Scallops with Couscous!

One serving of these Seared Scallops in Saffron Cream Sauce contains 115 calories and counts as one PowerFuel and two Extras on the Nutrisystem program.

Not sure what to serve with your seared scallops recipe? Check out our versatile veggie recipes below!

• Roasted Asparagus >
• Oven Roasted Tomatoes >
• Roasted Rosemary Beets and Carrots >
• Roasted Green Beans & Mushrooms with Honey Balsamic Drizzle >
• Spinach Mushroom Cauliflower Risotto >
• Simple Sautéed Spinach >
• Farro Roasted Vegetable Salad >
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Mustard Glaze >

Seafood is the perfect PowerFuel for your weight loss plan. But when you’re dining out at a restaurant, it can quickly become a diet disaster. Check out the link below for our helpful Seafood Restaurant Guide and find out what to order to stay on your diet plan:

How to Order at a Seafood Restaurant

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Of course, preparing your own seafood dinner at home is a surefire way to save calories. When you cook your own Flex meals, you control the ingredients and quantities used. This ultimately puts you in the driver seat of your weight loss efforts and gives you better control of what you’re putting in your body. Get creative with these fantastic seafood recipes.