Coastal Mains

Seared Scallops and Shitakes over Puff Pastry Pillows

Name: Seared Scallops and Shitakes over Puff Pastry Pillows
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound fresh shitake mushrooms, stems removed, about 4 cups; 12 large diver scallops; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper; 2 tablespoons sherry; ¼ cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, cut into chiffonade

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The Strategy:

This elegant dish features perfectly seared, sweet scallops and savory sautéed shiitake mushrooms served over crisp, golden squares of puff pastry. The combination of textures—crunchy pastry, tender scallops, and earthy mushrooms—makes for a truly spectacular presentation. It is a sophisticated, restaurant-quality starter or main course that will delight your table.

Serves: 6 | Total Time: 25 minutes till it's ready

Ingredients

Puff Pastry Pillows

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

Scallops, Mushrooms and Fats

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound fresh shitake mushrooms, stems removed, about 4 cups
12 large diver scallops

Pan Sauce and Herbs

1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
2 tablespoons sherry
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons fresh basil, cut into chiffonade

Instructions

Puff Pastry Pillows

Preheat the oven to 400°.
Roll out the pastry dough to a 11 by 8-inch rectangle.
Cut the sheet into 6 squares.
Place the squares onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or Silpat®).
Bake the pillows until puffed and golden, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and set aside.

Seared Scallops

Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
Place the mushrooms into the pan and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.
Season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper. Move the mushrooms to the side of the pan to create a space for the scallops. Sear on one side until browned, about 1 minute.
Turn and sear on the second side, about 1 minute more.
Reduce the heat to medium.
Pour in the sherry and simmer until most of the liquid disappears.
Pour in the cream and stir to coat the mushrooms and scallops.
Place one of the pastry pillows onto a small plate.
Spoon the scallops and mushrooms over the top.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and basil chiffonade.

The full recipe lives in the Vault

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The Heart of the Table

This visually stunning dish brings an air of elegance and culinary delight to any dinner gathering. The sight of golden puff pastry topped with beautifully seared scallops immediately makes the meal feel like a special occasion, sparking excited conversation and shared joy.

An appetizing, fresh serving of cooked Seared Scallops and Shitakes over Puff Pastry Pillows displayed beautifully on a styled dining table.

The Art of the Host

a well-seasoned 12-inch cast-iron skillet with dual pour spouts
a teardrop weighted stainless steel bar spoon with a twisted stem
a heavy-gauge tri-ply stainless steel shallow sauté pan
a platinum-grade non-stick silicone baking mat for consistent heat conduction
a pair of professional-grade stainless steel locking kitchen tongs
a set of minimalist, mouth-blown crystal coupe glasses with slender stems

Neighborly Grace

THE PRESENTATION: Place a golden puff pastry square in the center of each plate, topping it with a generous spoonful of the sautéed shiitake mushrooms. Arrange three seared scallops over the mushrooms and drizzle the buttery sherry pan sauce around the plate.
THE POUR: Pair the sweet scallops and rich pastry with a crisp, dry Champagne or a French Chablis served at 45°F in a slender flute. For a non-alcoholic alternative, serve a sparkling white grape juice infused with a splash of fresh lemon juice, served in a chilled flute.
THE VIBE: Evening Dining Room. Elegant tableware and soft music create a sophisticated, warm setting for an unforgettable meal.

Chef’s Recommendations

A Delicate Side: Roasted Zucchini Blossoms
The Glass for the Occasion: Champagne Cosmo Cocktail
A Fresh Break: Kale Salad with Strawberries & Goat Cheese
The Dessert It Lacked: Pavlova with Lemon Curd and Fresh Berries

The Estate Table

Build tonight’s menu around this dish.

✦ Set the Table

Seared Scallops and Shitakes over Puff Pastry Pillows

Seared Scallops and Shitakes over Puff Pastry Pillows

The full recipe lives in the Vault

The Heart of the Table

The Art of the Host

Neighborly Grace

✨ The Estate Swaps