Next, heat a griddle pan to perfection, ready to embrace the culinary gems. Nestle 12 medium-sized succulent scallops onto the sizzling pan, ensuring not to disturb them as they cook. Await approximately 2 minutes until the underside of each delectable scallop reveals a resplendent golden hue. With the utmost precision, use a palette knife to gracefully flip the scallops and allow the other side to sizzle to perfection.
Gently relocate the exquisitely cooked scallops onto two awaiting warm plates, ready to receive the artful touch of basil-infused butter. As the butter makes its grand entrance into the heated pan, listen for the delightful sizzle that ensues. The butter's gentle warmth embraces the scallops, bestowing them with an exquisite culinary embrace. To elevate the dish further, garnish with a handful of liberated basil leaves and a final, tantalizing squeeze of lime. This extraordinary culinary masterpiece serves a lucky pair of diners.
The magic of this delightful summer supper lies in its rapid preparation, showcasing the mastery of flavors in mere minutes. However, a worthy companion to this tantalizing dish is recommended. My personal favorite is a plate of sauté potatoes, and to ensure their timely presence, commence their preparation a generous 15 minutes before embarking on the scallop journey. Peel one substantial potato per diner, meticulously slicing them into perfectly rounded discs, akin to the thickness of a £1 coin. Gently fry these golden beauties in a harmonious blend of olive oil and just a hint of butter until they exude a sumptuous glow. Once each piece reaches its full potential, let them rest on kitchen paper, lightly seasoning with a dash of salt.
For those seeking an alternative culinary adventure, venture into the world of tarragon-infused butter. Harvest the leaves from 20g of tarragon stems and couple it with a hint of lemon juice, a delightful twist in place of lime.
Whether you choose to savor the savory scallops on a griddle or indulge in the tantalizing experience of a frying pan, remember to achieve the perfect balance of temperature and vessel proportions to ensure their flawless preparation.
Nigel Slater's recipe for grilled scallops, lime, and basil butter offers a tantalizing journey through a symphony of flavors, masterfully orchestrated to ignite the taste buds and satisfy the soul. Embark on this gastronomic adventure, where each bite transports you to a realm of culinary bliss, guided by the culinary genius of Nigel Slater himself.
