Pan-Seared Scallops with Apple Pan Sauce

Granny Smith apples are ideal for this dish: Their sweet-tart juice complements the rich scallops, and they keep their shape when cooked.

2 Granny Smith apples
2 Tbsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
12 large sea scallops, side muscle removed (about 1 lb)
kosher or sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
¼ cup hearty sprouts, such as; daikon or sunflower or pea shoots

Core 1 apple; cut into 1" cubes. Place in a blender with lemon juice and ¼ cup water; purée until smooth. Strain juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl. Peel, core, and cut remaining apple into ¼" cubes. Add to bowl. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Working in batches, cook scallops until golden brown and just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; tent with foil to keep warm.

Add butter to skillet. Cook, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan. Add reserved apple mixture and cook, stirring often, until juice is thickened and apple pieces are tender, about 4 minutes. Spoon over scallops; top with sprouts and season with salt and pepper.

Makes 4 servings.