Description
These lemon garlic butter scallops are seared to golden perfection and bathed in a rich, zesty butter sauce. A quick yet elegant seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large sea scallops, patted dry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear scallops for about 2 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Return scallops to the skillet for 30 seconds to heat through, spooning sauce over them.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with lemon slices, rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Add white wine before lemon juice for deeper flavor.
- Red pepper flakes can be added for heat.
- Finish with heavy cream for a creamy lemon sauce.
- Serve over pasta or risotto for a full meal.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with butter; avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 recipe
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
