Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 12 sea scallops
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped shallots
• 1 clove garlic, slivered
• Pinch crushed red chile flakes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 20 basil leaves, cut in thin ribbons

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Instructions

1. Put 4 tablespoons butter in skillet over medium-high heat. When foam subsides, add scallops; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brown on both sides, adjusting heat so they brown nicely; they need not cook through. Remove them to a plate.
2. Turn off heat, cool pan a bit and wipe out. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. When it melts, add shallots, garlic, chile flakes and a little more salt and pepper. Cook about 2 minutes, or until shallots soften.
3. Add wine, raise heat a bit, and let bubble away for a minute or so until reduced by about 1/2; add cream and repeat. When liquid is thick, return scallops and juices to pan.
4. Cook for about a minute, stirring in 1/2 the basil, until scallops are just firm. Taste and adjust seasoning, transfer to small bowls or plates with a bit of sauce, garnish with remaining basil, and serve.