An Inspired Cook

These scallops are seasoned with the copycat seasoning that Outback Steakhouse uses for their famous Aussie shrimp.  This seasoning is my go to for grilled shrimp and also tastes great on scallops.  Seared in butter with lemon and spices, this is simply one of the most succulent and mouthwatering dishes to make.  Australia has been on my mind for some time.  Over the summer our oldest son Josh announced that he was going to take a year and travel around Australia.  He left just over a week ago and is now on his first leg in Melbourne.  I am so proud and happy for him, I know his experiences will be life changing.  And I hope he will share some new foods that he tastes along the way.  He has always shared my love of cooking and good food so this one is for you Josh!

Rinse the scallops and pat dry with paper towels.

Lightly season the scallops on both sides with the Aussie seasoning mix.

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat.

When the pan is hot and butter melted, begin adding the scallops and sear approximately 1 – 2 minutes on each side.

Remove the scallops from the pan and place on a warming plate.

In the same pan that you seared the scallops, add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt.

Add a teaspoon of the Aussie seasoning.

Whisk in the juice of 1/2 lemon.

Place the scallops back in the pan for a minute or so to allow the scallops to soak in the lemon butter.

Sprinkle with some fresh or dried parsley.

Serve with cheesy grits. Ladle some of the pan juices over the grits and top with scallops.




Aussie Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter

1 pound Sea Scallops
3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, divided
1/2 Lemon, juiced
Aussie Seasoning, recipe follows
1/2 teaspoon Parsley, dried or fresh

Rinse scallops and pat dry with a paper towel.  Melt 1 tablespoon of butter into a cast iron skillet over medium high heat.  Lightly sprinkle scallops with Aussie seasoning on both sides and set in hot skillet.  Sear 1 – 2 minutes on both sides.  Remove from skillet.

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.  Add 1 teaspoon of the Aussie seasoning and lemon juice to the pan.  Whisk together and add scallops back to the pan for another minute. Sprinkle with fresh or dried parsley.

Serve scallops with lemon butter sauce over grits, rice or polenta.  Spoon extra lemon butter sauce over top.

Servings 2**Note: You can easily double scallops with the same amount of ingredients.  Save any extra Aussie Seasoning in a sealed bag.

Aussie Seasoning

1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Ancho Chile Powder
1/2 teaspoon Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne
Pinch of Allspice

Combine all ingredients and store in airtight container.