Pan Seared Sea Scallops recipe served on a plate, by Pekin the Chef
Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Magnolias›Pan Seared Sea Scallops Recipe

Pan Seared Sea Scallops Recipe

Inspired by Magnolias
Time1h
Serves4

Johnny cakes, sautéed spinach, brandied apple bacon cream, balsamic reduction

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Ingredients

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Sea Scallops

Johnny Cakes

Sautéed Spinach

Brandied Apple Bacon Cream

Balsamic Reduction

Method

Preparation of Balsamic Reduction

  1. 1

    Make the Balsamic Reduction

    In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until thickened, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Preparation of Brandied Apple Bacon Cream

  1. 2

    Cook the Bacon

    In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.

  2. 3

    Sauté Apples

    In the same skillet, add diced apples and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add brandy and let cook for another 2 minutes.

  3. 4

    Add Cream

    Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, cooked bacon, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat.

Preparation of Sautéed Spinach

  1. 5

    Sauté Spinach

    In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add fresh spinach, salt, and pepper, cooking until wilted (about 3-4 minutes).

Preparation of Johnny Cakes

  1. 6

    Make the Batter

    In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

  2. 7

    Cook the Johnny Cakes

    Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each cake, cooking until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes each side).

Cooking the Sea Scallops

  1. 8

    Sear the Scallops

    Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over high heat. Sear scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Assembly

  1. 9

    Plate the Dish

    On a plate, place a johnny cake, top with sautéed spinach, and add seared scallops. Drizzle with brandied apple bacon cream and balsamic reduction before serving.

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