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Easy Scallops Over Creamy Rice

Featured in Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

This creamy rice with scallops elevates simple ingredients into an elegant meal that's surprisingly quick to prepare. What makes this dish special is how it builds layers of flavor - starting with creamy Arborio rice enriched with half-and-half, adding sweet charred corn and crispy bacon, and finishing with perfectly seared scallops. The bacon drippings add extra flavor to both the corn and scallops, while fresh chives bring a bright finish. It's the kind of dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fine restaurant but can be made in your own kitchen in just 35 minutes.
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Updated on Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:11:51 GMT
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This elegant Creamy Rice with Scallops combines perfectly seared scallops with rich, Arborio rice enhanced by smoky bacon and sweet charred corn. Each component builds layers of flavor - from the tender rice cooked in aromatic broth to golden-brown scallops finished in bacon drippings. While sophisticated enough for special occasions, this one-pan dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that balances luxurious and comforting elements.

The secret lies in properly searing the scallops and layering flavors throughout cooking process.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Arborio rice provides creamy texture
  • Fresh dry scallops ensure proper searing
  • Thick-cut bacon adds smoky depth
  • Fresh corn offers sweet contrast

Quality ingredients make the difference - especially fresh, dry scallops and good bacon.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

1. Begin with rice preparation.
Combine Arborio rice, broth, and water in large pot. Bring to boil, stirring once. Add thyme sprig, butter, and seasonings. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until rice is tender but still has slight bite. Stir in half-and-half and keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, cook bacon
in cast-iron skillet over medium heat until perfectly crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving flavorful drippings in pan. The drippings will be used to add flavor to both corn and scallops.
3. Increase heat to high.
Add corn kernels to bacon drippings, stirring frequently until charred, about 4 minutes. This quick, high-heat cooking caramelizes the corn's natural sugars. Remove with slotted spoon and fold into rice.
4. Pat scallops completely dry
with paper towels - this is crucial for proper searing. Season with remaining salt and pepper. Sear in remaining bacon drippings over medium-high heat, about 1 minute per side until golden brown but still translucent in center.
5. Fold crumbled bacon into rice mixture.
Serve scallops immediately over rice, garnishing with fresh chives. The residual heat from the rice will complete the cooking of the scallops.
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The key is having all components ready to combine at just the right moment.

Storage Solutions

Store leftover rice mixture separately from scallops in airtight containers up to 2 days in refrigerator. Reheat rice gently with additional half-and-half or broth to restore creaminess. Scallops are best enjoyed fresh - reheating can make them tough. If necessary, reheat scallops very briefly in pan with butter. Consider making fresh scallops for leftover rice.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately while scallops are perfectly seared and rice is creamy. Consider additional fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon for garnish. Pair with crisp white wine like Chablis or Sancerre. For complete meal, serve with simple green salad dressed with light vinaigrette.

Troubleshooting Tips

If scallops don't sear properly, ensure they're completely dry and pan is hot enough. For gummy rice, reduce liquid slightly next time. When bacon renders too quickly, lower heat. If corn doesn't char, increase heat and ensure pan isn't overcrowded.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Prepare rice base up to 2 hours ahead, keeping warm with extra liquid on hand. Cook bacon and corn in advance, reheating briefly before serving. Always sear scallops just before serving for best results. Have all ingredients measured and ready for efficient assembly.

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Recipe Variations

Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or peas to rice. Try pancetta instead of bacon for Italian twist. Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill or basil. For seafood variation, add shrimp or lobster alongside scallops. Always maintain basic technique while adapting flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What are dry sea scallops?
Scallops without chemical additives that sear better than 'wet' scallops
→ Can I use frozen corn?
Fresh corn works best for charring, but thawed frozen corn can work
→ Why Arborio rice?
Its high starch content creates the creamy texture needed
→ How do I get a good sear on scallops?
Pat them dry and cook in hot pan just 1 minute per side
→ Can I make this ahead?
Rice can be made ahead but scallops are best seared just before serving

Creamy Rice with Scallops

Perfectly seared scallops served over creamy rice with charred corn and crispy bacon.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Rice Base

01 2 cups uncooked Arborio rice
02 4 cups chicken broth
03 1 cup water
04 1 thyme sprig
05 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 1 cup half-and-half

→ Toppings

07 4 thick-cut bacon slices
08 2 cups fresh yellow corn kernels (about 3 ears)
09 1½ pounds dry sea scallops
10 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

→ Seasonings

11 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
12 ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided

Instructions

Step 01

Bring rice, broth, water to boil. Add thyme, butter, 1½ teaspoons salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper. Simmer covered 15 minutes until tender. Remove thyme, stir in half-and-half.

Step 02

Cook bacon until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove, crumble, and reserve drippings.

Step 03

Cook corn in bacon drippings over high heat until charred, about 4 minutes. Add to rice.

Step 04

Season scallops with remaining salt and pepper. Sear in bacon drippings 1 minute per side until charred.

Step 05

Stir bacon into rice. Serve scallops over rice and sprinkle with chives.

Notes

  1. Use dry sea scallops for best searing
  2. Fresh corn works better than frozen
  3. Pat scallops dry before searing

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Slotted spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, half-and-half)
  • Contains shellfish (scallops)