Active Time

　　20 min

　　Total Time

　　1 hr

　　The secret ingredient in this dish is a surprisingly modest one: grapefruit. Its tartness balances the unashamed, almost swaggering richness of scallops bathed in a butter sauce.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 (main course) servings

　　1/4 cup olive oil

　　1 sweet onion (3/4 pound) such as Vidalia, OsoSweet, or Walla Walla, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

　　1 pink grapefruit

　　3/4 cup Prosecco

　　2 tablespoons minced shallot

　　1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons, divided

　　12 large sea scallops (about 1 1/2 pounds total), tough ligament from side discarded

　　1 teaspoon vegetable oil

　　Garnish: chervil sprigs

　　

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium-low heat until it shimmers, then cook onion, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until very tender but not colored, about 20 minutes more. (If onion begins to color, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water as necessary during cooking.)

　　

Step 2

Purée onion in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot foods). Transfer to a bowl; keep warm, covered.

　　

Step 3

Cut 1/2 inch from top and bottom of grapefruit with a sharp knife, exposing fruit at both ends. Cut peel and pith from sides, then cut segments free from membranes. Cut segments into 1/3-inch dice and reserve.

　　

Step 4

Boil Prosecco and shallot in a small heavy saucepan until liquid is reduced to 1 to 2 tablespoons, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, then whisk in 6 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly, adding each piece before previous one has completely melted, and lifting pan from heat occasionally to cool. Remove from heat; keep warm, covered.

　　

Step 5

Heat a dry 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, at least 2 minutes.

　　

Step 6

Meanwhile, pat scallops dry and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

　　

Step 7

Add vegetable oil to hot skillet, swirling to coat, then sear scallops without crowding, undisturbed, until undersides are well browned, about 3 minutes. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to skillet, swirling skillet (so butter helps release scallops), then turn scallops over and cook until just cooked through, about 1 minute more.

　　

Step 8

Spoon 2 tablespoons onion purée onto each of 4 plates, then top with scallops, browned sides up, and diced grapefruit. Drizzle with Prosecco butter.

　　Cook's note:

　　Onion purée can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, uncovered, until cool, then covered. Reheat over low heat.