Normandy Cider Bay Scallops
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2
Description
Serve alongside white rice and lots of crusty bread for a meal that is evocative of the French coastline.
Ingredients
Units
- 2TB (30g) unsalted butter
- 2TB (15g) all-purpose/plain flour
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- pinch of salt
- 10 oz (285g) bay scallops
- 1/2 cup (110ml) cider
- 1/2 cup (110ml) heavy/double cream
- salt and pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat making sure to not let it brown.
- Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly until a roux has formed but do not let it color.
- Add the shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes. (Keep your eye on it so the roux does not start to brown.
- Add the scallops. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to stir too hard or you’ll break the scallops up.
- Add the cider. Stir gently but scrape the bottom and sides of the pan. Let cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the cream. Stir and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with a parsley garnish and with a side of rice or bread.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this recipe build a roux before adding the scallops?
The 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp flour are cooked together first to form a roux that thickens the cider and cream into a cohesive sauce rather than a thin liquid. Don’t let the roux color — keep stirring and keep an eye on the heat.
What type of cider should I use, and will it affect the flavor?
I use ½ cup (110 ml) cider in this Normandy-style dish, so a dry French-style hard cider is the natural fit — it gives a subtly tart, apple-forward note that complements the cream. A sweeter cider will make the sauce noticeably richer.
How do I avoid breaking the bay scallops while stirring?
Be careful not to stir too hard or you’ll break the scallops up during the 2–3 minute cook. Stir gently and use a soft spatula rather than a spoon with a sharp edge.
Forgot to give star rating
Must try this ! Looks superb yet very simple !