Scallop & Asparagus Risotto 🍚🦞 Creamy Arborio, Butter-Seared Scallops, and Spring Green Bite

Scallop & Asparagus Risotto blends the sweetness of perfectly seared scallops with the earthy snap of fresh asparagus, all stirred into a creamy Parmesan risotto finished with white wine, lemon, and butter.

It’s luxurious but grounded — ideal for an elevated dinner without going overboard.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the Risotto

• ¾ cup Arborio rice
• 3 cups chicken or seafood stock, warmed
• ½ small onion or shallot, finely diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• ½ bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for finishing)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: zest of ½ lemon or squeeze of lemon juice

For the Scallops

• 8–10 sea scallops, patted very dry
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (grapeseed or canola)
• 1 tbsp butter (for basting)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Risotto Base

In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium. Sauté onion or shallot until soft and translucent, 3–4 minutes. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 1–2 minutes until edges look slightly translucent.

Step 2: Add Wine and Simmer

Pour in white wine and stir constantly until absorbed. Begin adding warm stock ½ cup at a time, stirring gently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before the next.

Step 3: Cook Asparagus

Add chopped asparagus with the final ½ cup of stock and cook until just tender, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and a final tablespoon of butter to finish. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon.

Step 4: Sear the Scallops

Season scallops with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a nonstick or stainless skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add scallops and sear without moving for 1½–2 minutes until golden. Flip and add butter. Baste and cook another 1–2 minutes. Remove and rest briefly.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Spoon risotto into shallow bowls. Top with scallops and any butter from the pan. Finish with more Parmesan, herbs, or lemon zest if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Swap asparagus for peas or spinach
• Add a drizzle of truffle oil or brown butter over the top
• Use shrimp or lobster in place of scallops for variety
• Stir in mascarpone cheese at the end for extra creaminess

Serving Ideas

• With a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• Side of grilled sourdough or herb focaccia
• Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Topped with microgreens or fried shallots for a finish

Pro Tips

• Stir risotto gently — don’t overwork it
• Use warm stock only — cold liquid interrupts the cooking process
• Pat scallops bone dry for best sear
• Scallops should be just opaque in the center — don’t overcook

Final Thoughts

Scallop & Asparagus Risotto is smooth, savory, and loaded with contrast — creamy rice, briny sear, and green snap all in harmony. It’s fine-dining flavor without the reservation, perfect for a date night in or a next-level weeknight meal.

Stir slow. Sear hot. Serve silky. 🍚🦞🍋

🦐 Explore More Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
🍝 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Elegant and indulgent, like shrimp linguine in a white wine sauce.
🍤 Shrimp Recipes – Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed; smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries
🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
🧀 Comforting Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, cheesy bakes with crab, shrimp, or scallops.
🥣 Warm and Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick and delicious mains like garlic butter tilapia.
🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light yet flavorful options like grilled mahi mahi with salsa.
🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy rice dishes with seared scallops and fresh veg.
🌊 Seafood Stews – Hearty, rustic stews from the Mediterranean and beyond.