Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb asparagus
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil
- 1 lb large sea scallops
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 shallot minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
Instructions
- Trim asparagus, then cut stems into 1/4-inch-thick diagonal slices, leaving tips whole.
- Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot, sauté asparagus, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon, reserving skillet off heat. You can use the same skillet for the entire meal, so no need to clean.
- Pat scallops dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add remaining oil to skillet and heat over moderately high heat until hot, then sauté scallops, turning over once, until browned and just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes total. Transfer scallops to another plate as cooked.
- Add white wine and vinegar to skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up any brown bits in the pan. Boil until liquid is reduced to about 2 tablespoons. Add any scallop juices accumulated on plate and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and whisk in butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until incorporated.
- Add asparagus and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
- Serve scallops topped with asparagus and sauce.