Seared Scallops with Shallots and Coconut Cream

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup crème fraîche or whipping cream
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (stir before measuring)
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots (about 2 oz.)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 8 sea scallops (each about 1 in. wide, about 8 oz. total)
• Salt and pepper

Preparation

1. 1. In a bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat créme fraîche and coconut milk until soft peaks form. Cover and chill while preparing shallots and scallops.
2. 2. In an 8- to 10-inch nonstick frying pan over medium heat, stir shallots in oil until crisp and golden, 6 to 10 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel to drain.
3. 3. Rinse scallops and pat dry. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Add scallops in a single layer to frying pan (no need to wash) and cook, turning once, until browned on both sides and barely opaque but still moist-looking in the center (cut to test), 3 to 4 minutes total. Let cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
4. 4. Arrange scallops on a platter and top each with about 2 teaspoons coconut crème fraîche. Sprinkle equally with fried shallots.