Queen scallops with sauternes butter

Method

• step 1

  For the garlic butter, use a pestle and mortar to pound the garlic with a pinch of sea salt flakes until smooth and creamy. Fold through the softened butter until evenly mixed. Alternatively, whizz the garlic and salt in a small food processor, then add the butter and whizz again.

• step 2

  In a small pan, simmer the sauternes, diced shallot and vinegar until reduced to about a tablespoon. Keeping the pan half on and half off a very low heat, slowly whisk in the cold butter, only adding more once the last piece has melted in, until you have a smooth, emulsified sauce. Season. (The pan should never reach a higher temperature than your hand can bear to touch – if it gets too hot it will split and you’ll have to start again.)

• step 3

  Heat the grill to high. Season and cover each scallop with garlic butter, then grill for 2-3 minutes or until charred and cooked through. Spoon over the sauternes sauce and sprinkle with chives before serving.