# Spiceology Black & Bleu Scallops with Mushroom Gnocchi > Pan-seared scallops seasoned with Spiceology's RUB PRIME STEAK, finished with a quick bleu-cheese butter and served atop golden mushroom gnocchi. This stovetop entree balances rich umami mushrooms and creamy gnocchi with the bold, peppery notes of the black & bleu finish. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/spiceology-black-bleu-scallops-mushroom-gnocchi ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 27, 2026 Last Updated: September 28, 2026 ## About This Recipe This black & bleu scallops with mushroom gnocchi pairs two bold approaches—high-heat searing and a rich, melting bleu-cheese butter—with soft, pillowy potato gnocchi and deeply browned cremini mushrooms. The RUB PRIME STEAK brings pepper-forward, steakhouse aromatics that curl round the scallop’s crust without overpowering the sweet interior, while the quick bleu butter made in the scallop pan takes advantage of the fond to add tangy, salty richness. Texturally the dish trades crisp for creamy: a lacquered scallop exterior, velvety cream sauce hugging the gnocchi, and the slight chew of caramelized mushrooms make every bite layered and satisfying. What makes this version work is the timing and the source of flavor: finishing the bleu cheese in the hot scallop skillet captures browned bits and delivers a silky sauce that ties back to the mushroom-gnocchi cream, so nothing tastes orphaned. Use cremini for their meatiness, don’t skimp on drying the scallops, and keep the components warm separately until plating so the crust stays crisp. This recipe is ideal for adventurous weeknights or a compact dinner party—ambitious enough to impress but streamlined to finish in about 40 minutes. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes - Total Time: 40 minutes - Servings: 12 - Difficulty: Medium - Category: Stovetop ## Ingredients ### Sear mushrooms and brown gnocchi - 1 lb Potato gnocchi - 6 tbsp Unsalted butter - 10 oz Cremini mushrooms, sliced - 3 clove(s) Garlic cloves, minced - 1 tsp Salt & pepper ### Build the cream sauce for the gnocchi - 1/2 cup Heavy cream ### Make the quick bleu butter sauce - 3 oz Crumbled bleu cheese ### Prepare and sear the scallops - 1 1/4 lb Sea scallops - 1 1/2 tsp RUB PRIME STEAK ### Garnish and serve - 2 tbsp Fresh chives, chopped ## Ingredient Guide ### Potato gnocchi Small Italian dumplings made primarily from mashed potato and flour (sometimes with egg), gnocchi are pillowy and slightly chewy with a mild potato flavor; they originate from Italian regional cooking. They don’t have a strong aroma but cook quickly and pair well with butter, cream, or tomato sauces. Find them fresh or refrigerated in the pasta/Italian section of supermarkets, at specialty Italian markets, or make them from scratch; good substitutes include small pasta shapes like cavatelli, orecchiette, or ricotta gnocchi (gnudi). ### RUB PRIME STEAK Likely a branded or proprietary steak rub—a concentrated spice/salt blend marketed for seasoning beef—common in American steakhouse or grill cooking. Flavor profiles vary by brand but typically include coarse salt, cracked black pepper, garlic/onion powder, smoked paprika, and sometimes sugar or chili for heat, yielding a savory, smoky, and slightly spicy crust. You can find such rubs at grocery stores, butcher shops, or online; as a substitute, use a homemade steak seasoning of kosher salt, coarsely ground black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional brown sugar and chili flakes to taste. ## Instructions ### 1. Sear mushrooms and brown gnocchi Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of the butter. Add sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic, season with a pinch of salt & pepper, and sauté until mushrooms are deeply browned, about 6–8 minutes. Add the gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is golden on several sides, about 4–5 minutes; transfer the mixture to a bowl and keep warm. ### 2. Build the cream sauce for the gnocchi Lower the heat to medium and return the skillet to the stove; add the remaining butter and pour in the heavy cream. Stir and simmer until the cream thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes, then return the mushroom-gnocchi mixture to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with a little additional salt & pepper if needed and keep warm on very low heat. ### 3. Prepare and sear the scallops Pat scallops very dry with paper towels and remove the small side muscle if present. Season both sides generously with RUB PRIME STEAK and a light sprinkle of salt & pepper. Heat a second heavy skillet over high heat until smoking-hot, add a tablespoon of butter, then add scallops spaced apart and sear without moving for 1.5–2 minutes per side until a deep crust forms and centers are just opaque; transfer scallops to a plate. ### 4. Make the quick bleu butter sauce Reduce the scallop skillet to medium-low and add the crumbled bleu cheese to the pan with a tablespoon of butter; stir as it melts and combines into a silky sauce. If needed, stir in a tablespoon of the reserved cream from the gnocchi step (or a splash of water) to loosen the sauce to spoonable consistency. Taste and adjust with a small pinch of salt or a grind of pepper. ### 5. Plate gnocchi and finish Divide the mushroom gnocchi among four warmed plates and spoon any remaining cream sauce over the top. Arrange 3–4 seared scallops over each portion and drizzle the bleu butter sauce over the scallops and around the plate for a glossy finish. ### 6. Garnish and serve Scatter chopped fresh chives over each plate and add a final crack of black pepper. Serve immediately so the scallops retain their crisp exterior and the gnocchi stays warm and saucy. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 serving): - Calories: 214 kcal - Protein: 9.6 g - Carbohydrates: 17.1 g - Fat: 11.9 g - Saturated Fat: 7.4 g - Fiber: 1 g - Sugar: 0.6 g - Added Sugars: 0 g - Cholesterol: 45.6 mg - Sodium: 645.9 mg - Potassium: 274.2 mg - Calcium: 62.9 mg - Iron: 0.8 mg - Vitamin D: 0.2 mcg ## Tips ### Dry scallops thoroughly Pat scallops bone-dry with paper towels and let them air a few minutes; moisture prevents a proper sear and creates steam. ### Smoky-hot skillet Heat the pan until just smoking before adding butter and scallops so you get an immediate crust; reduce heat slightly if the butter browns too fast. ### Brown gnocchi well Sear the gnocchi in a single layer and resist stirring too often—leaving them undisturbed gives multiple golden faces and better texture. ### Finish bleu in pan Melt the bleu cheese over medium-low in the scallop skillet to capture fond; loosen with a tablespoon of reserved cream to keep the sauce glossy. ### Keep components warm Hold gnocchi and mushrooms over the lowest heat and rest scallops briefly on a warm plate; assemble quickly to preserve the scallop crust. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Shrimp or Chicken Substitute Swap scallops for large shrimp or thin pounded chicken cutlets; adjust sear time to 1–1.5 minutes per side for shrimp and 2–3 minutes per side for chicken. ### Vegetarian Version Replace scallops with thick halved king oyster mushrooms seared until charred and finish with a smaller amount of bleu or a tangy goat cheese for a similar umami profile. ### Dairy-Free Option Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free tangy crumble (or miso-thinned olive oil) instead of bleu to mimic richness and umami without dairy. ### Lighter Lemon Twist Skip the bleu and add lemon zest, a splash of white wine to the pan, and finish with chopped parsley for a brighter, less intense sauce. ## Notes This dish is great for a cozy dinner party or a special weeknight treat — it comes together quickly on the stovetop but feels restaurant-level. Home cooks will love the contrast between crisp seared scallops and the rich, silky mushroom gnocchi. ### Storage and Make-Ahead Store the mushroom-gnocchi and scallops separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator; combined leftovers will lose scallop crispness and the gnocchi will absorb sauce. Consume within 2 days for best texture. Reheat gnocchi gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or water over medium-low to loosen the sauce, and briefly rewarm scallops in a hot skillet for 30–60 seconds per side or serve them cold sliced if necessary. ### Serving Suggestions Serve with a simple crisp salad dressed with lemon and olive oil or roasted asparagus to cut the richness, and include lemon wedges for brightness. For wine, choose a full-bodied Chardonnay or a peppery red like a young Pinot Noir; an amber ale or Saison also complements the bleu-cheese notes. Warm the plates briefly before plating to help the gnocchi stay saucy. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I use frozen scallops? Yes—thaw completely in the refrigerator and pat very dry before seasoning and searing; frozen scallops often release more water so extra drying time helps achieve a crust. ### How do I know when scallops are done? They should have a deep golden crust and feel slightly firm with an opaque center; avoid overcooking—1.5–2 minutes per side is typical for large sea scallops. ### Why remove the small side muscle? The side muscle can be tough and chewy when cooked, so removing it improves overall tenderness and presentation. ### Will the bleu butter break or separate? Keep heat moderate when melting bleu cheese and add a tablespoon of cream if needed; aggressive boiling can separate butter and cheese, so stir gently over medium-low. ### Can components be made ahead? You can make the mushroom-gnocchi and the bleu butter up to a day ahead and gently reheat, but sear the scallops just before serving to preserve their crisp exterior. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [One-Pot Beef Bolognese](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/one-pot-beef-bolognese) - [Stovetop Dutch-Oven Herb-Crusted Beef Roast with Pan Gravy](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/stovetop-dutch-oven-herb-crusted-beef-roast-pan-gravy) - [Dubai Tacos](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/dubai-tacos-stovetop-shawarma-style) - [Italian-Style Pot Roast with Tomatoes Olives and Fresh Herbs](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/italian-style-pot-roast-tomatoes-olives-herbs-stovetop) - [Labor Day Grilled Lobster Rolls with Charred Scallion Brown Butter & Lemon‑Herb Aioli](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/labour-day-grilled-lobster-rolls-charred-scallion-brown-butter-lemon-herb-aioli) - [Hainanese Chicken Rice](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/hainanese-chicken-rice-stovetop) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan) - [Low-Fat Grill Swaps for Big Flavor](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/low-fat-grill-swaps-big-flavor) - [DIY Edible Monster Eyes Candy](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/diy-edible-monster-eyes-candy)