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Scallops with Hazelnuts and Browned Butter Vinaigrette

This elegant dish of pan-seared scallops with hazelnuts and browned butter vinaigrette offers a sophisticated blend of textures and flavours. The natural sweetness of the large sea scallops is perfectly offset by the earthy, toasted notes of the nuts and the bright acidity of white balsamic vinegar. By browning the butter until it reaches a rich, nutty aroma, you create a complex sauce that feels indulgent yet remains light enough for a modern nutritious diet.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on high-quality proteins and healthy fats, served over a bed of peppery watercress for added freshness. It makes a wonderful starter for a dinner party or a light main course for two. The combination of fresh thyme and shallots provides a savoury depth that complements the seafood beautifully, ensuring a restaurant-standard result in less than twenty minutes.

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Ingredients for Scallops with Hazelnuts and Browned Butter Vinaigrette

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 12 large sea scallops (about 450g )

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided

  • 50g chopped shallots

  • 40g husked hazelnuts, toasted, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

  • 1 small bunch watercress, thick stems trimmed

How to make Scallops with Hazelnuts and Browned Butter Vinaigrette

Cook butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until deep golden brown and most of foam subsides, stirring frequently, about 4 minutes. Transfer butter to bowl, reserving skillet. Sprinkle scallops with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoons thyme; add to reserved skillet and cook until just opaque in centre, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer scallops to plate. Add shallots, hazelnuts, and remaining 1 teaspoon thyme to skillet; stir 30 seconds. Remove skillet from heat. Add browned butter and vinegar; stir to blend. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper.

Divide watercress between 2 plates. Top with scallops and spoon warm vinaigrette over.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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