Seared Sea Scallops with Citrus Herb Butter is a delightful dish that marries the sweetness of sea scallops with a zesty, aromatic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party centerpiece.
The star of this dish is, of course, the sea scallops. Their sweet, delicate flavor shines when seared to a golden crust. The unsalted butter creates a luscious, rich base for the sauce, allowing you to control the seasoning. A touch of olive oil helps the scallops sear evenly, thanks to its higher smoke point. The garlic infuses the butter with a savory aroma, while the lemon zest and juice add a refreshing citrus kick. Finally, fresh parsley lends a pop of color and a hint of earthy flavor, perfectly rounding out the dish.
This dish pairs beautifully with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Serve alongside a simple arugula salad or roasted asparagus for a complete, elegant meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover citrus herb butter.
Start by gently patting the sea scallops dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for achieving that perfect sear. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You'll want the pan nice and hot before adding the scallops to prevent them from steaming instead of searing.
Season the scallops with salt and pepper just before they hit the pan. Carefully place them in the skillet, ensuring there's enough space between each one to allow for even cooking. Let them sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes on each side. You're looking for a golden crust to develop — this is where the flavor magic happens.
Once seared, remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside. Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. As the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic and lemon zest. Cook this mixture just until it's fragrant but be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the lemon juice and fresh parsley to the butter, stirring to combine all those lovely flavors. Return the scallops to the skillet, gently rolling them in the citrus herb butter, ensuring each one is well-coated. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of additional parsley.
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