Irresistible Butternut Squash Scallops Recipe with Brown Butter
Transform thick slices of butternut squash into golden, caramelized ‘scallops’ draped in nutty brown butter for a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch thick rounds
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Sea salt or kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Peel the butternut squash, cut off the ends, and slice it into 1-inch thick rounds. Scoop out the seeds from the center of each round.
- Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the squash slices in the pan without overcrowding. Work in batches if needed.
- Sear the squash slices for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Flip gently using a spatula.
- While the squash is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and watch closely as the butter turns golden and smells nutty. Add the minced garlic and thyme sprigs during the last minute.
- Remove the squash slices from the pan and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the warm brown butter sauce over the top, ensuring each slice gets a bit of garlic and thyme.
- Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley or grated Parmesan over the dish for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve warm with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious brown butter sauce.
Notes
[‘Use a sharp knife for even slicing to ensure uniform cooking.’, ‘Let the squash slices cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a deep golden crust.’, ‘Watch the butter closely while it melts to avoid burning it.’, ‘Add garlic to the butter toward the end to prevent it from burning.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 squash slices pe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 2
Keywords: butternut squash, scallops, brown butter, vegetarian, gluten-free, fall recipe, healthy comfort food