Scallop Risotto with Lemon & Herbs 🐚🍋🌿 Creamy Arborio Rice Finished With Fresh Citrus and Herb-Butter Seared Scallops

This dish is equal parts rich and refreshing — luxurious risotto infused with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, topped with golden brown scallops seared in butter and herbs. It’s coastal dinner party energy made simple enough for a weekday treat.

Pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine and candlelight (even if it’s just Tuesday).

Ingredients (Serves 2)

For the scallops

• 8–10 sea scallops (dry-packed preferred)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme or parsley
• Optional: squeeze of lemon at finish

For the risotto

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 shallot or ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup Arborio rice
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 3–3½ cups warm seafood, chicken, or vegetable broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Zest of 1 lemon + juice of ½
• 1 tbsp butter (for finish)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, basil, or chives

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Scallops

Pat scallops dry with paper towels — very dry is key for browning. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add scallops and sear 1½–2 minutes per side without moving until golden crust forms. Add butter and herbs in the last 30 seconds. Baste briefly, then remove from pan and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Risotto Base

In a separate pot or pan, heat olive oil over medium. Add shallot and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and stir 1 more minute.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Stir in Arborio rice and cook 1–2 minutes until edges look translucent. Pour in white wine and stir until mostly absorbed.

Step 4: Stir and Simmer

Add warm broth ½ cup at a time, stirring often and allowing it to absorb before adding more. Continue 18–22 minutes until rice is tender with a slight bite.

Step 5: Finish Creamy

Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, and final tablespoon of butter. Fold in fresh herbs. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Step 6: Plate

Spoon risotto into shallow bowls. Top each with seared scallops. Garnish with more herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or extra lemon zest if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Add asparagus tips or peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking
• Stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone for extra richness
• Finish with truffle oil or garlic butter for a luxe touch
• Sub scallops for shrimp or lobster if preferred
• Add chopped preserved lemon for a bolder citrus twist

Pro Tips

• Use dry scallops for best sear — wet-packed ones steam
• Don’t crowd the pan — scallops need space to caramelize
• Keep broth warm during risotto cooking to maintain flow
• Let risotto rest 1–2 minutes before plating — it thickens naturally
• Don’t over-zest — lemon should lift, not overpower

Final Thoughts

Scallop Risotto with Lemon & Herbs is refined comfort — golden scallops on a pillow of creamy, citrus-bright risotto that feels like coastal fine dining without leaving your kitchen.

Sear it. Stir it. Zest it bold. 🐚🍋🌿🔥

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes 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/
• 🦞 Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, Buttery & Oven-Ready. Comfort food meets coastal flavor.
• 🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
• 🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick, delicious, easy recipes bring bold flavor with minimal prep and cleanup
• 🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light, fresh & packed with protein and omega-3s with bright, satisfying flavor
• 🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy, silky rice dishes meet the richness of the sea.
• 🌊 Seafood Stews – Mediterranean, Latin to classic American, hearty stews with satisfying depth in your bowl.
• 🍝🧀 Seafood Lasagna – Lasagna meets the sea in these rich and satisfying delicious twist classic bakes.