Ingredients
1 clove garlic, minced
8 grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 lb medium asparagus
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 lb large sea scallops, tough ligament removed from side of each if attached
1 teaspoon creole or caribbean seafood seasoning
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) garlic scampi butter or unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
Preparation
Trim asparagus, then cut stems into 1/4-inch-thick diagonal slices, leaving tips whole.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté garlic, gently browning. Add tomatoes, stirring for one minute. Next add asparagus, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a plate, reserving skillet off heat (do not clean).
Pat scallops dry and sprinkle with creole seasoning. Add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet and heat over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté half of scallops, turning over once, until browned and just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes total. Transfer scallops with tongs to another plate as cooked.
Wipe out skillet with paper towels, then add remaining tablespoon oil and heat until hot but not smoking. Sauté remaining scallops, turning over once, until browned and cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes total, transferring to plate. (Do not wipe out skillet after second batch.)
Carefully add wine and vinegar to skillet (mixture may spatter) and boil, scraping up brown bits, until liquid is reduced to about 2 tablespoons, about 1 minute. 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 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
Serve scallops topped with asparagus and sauce.
Makes 4 servings.
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