Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 6 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter is a delightful dish that brings out the sweet, tender flavor of scallops with a zesty touch of lemon. It's a quick recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients for Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter

Scallops are the star of this dish, and their natural sweetness shines through when seared to perfection. Make sure to use large sea scallops for the best texture. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, bringing out the scallops' delicate flavor. Olive oil helps achieve a beautiful sear, while unsalted butter adds richness to the sauce. Garlic gives an aromatic depth, and the lemon juice adds a fresh, tangy brightness to the dish. Finally, fresh parsley provides a touch of color and earthiness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Dry scallops thoroughly to ensure a perfect sear.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor — bottled just won’t cut it.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and a side of risotto or crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce. A chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
You can substitute with a sprinkle of dried parsley or omit it altogether if needed.

Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Recipe Walkthrough

Start by patting your scallops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to get that golden, crispy crust. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper. Meanwhile, heat about two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering.

Carefully place the scallops in the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Let them sear without moving for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a nice golden crust. Once done, remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. As it melts, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant — this is where the magic starts! Pour in the lemon juice and give it a good stir to combine all those lovely flavors.

Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce generously over them. Allow them to warm through for a minute. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in under 20 minutes.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients for a burst of flavor.
  • Elegant presentation for a special dinner occasion.
  • Perfect balance of savory and citrusy notes.

Ingredients

1 lb large sea scallops
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add scallops to the skillet in a single layer, leaving space between each. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side or until a golden crust forms. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Add butter to the same skillet and reduce heat to medium. Once butter is melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add lemon juice to the garlic butter, stirring to combine.
6. Return scallops to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over them.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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