Lemon Butter Scallops is a light, flavorful, and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a quick weeknight treat. The delicate, sweet flavor of the scallops is perfectly complemented by the tangy lemon butter sauce, making this dish irresistible. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or trying scallops for the first time, this recipe offers a refined and satisfying taste that will impress your guests.

The combination of fresh garlic, buttery goodness, and the bright, citrusy zing of lemon creates a balanced and mouthwatering sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops. This dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, taking only minutes to cook. Serve it alongside pasta, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal that is as impressive as it is simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or last-minute meals.

2. Delicious and Flavorful

The combination of lemon, butter, and garlic creates a rich yet fresh sauce that elevates the natural sweetness of the scallops.

3. Perfect for Special Occasions

Impress guests with this elegant and refined dish that’s easy to prepare yet looks and tastes like it came from a fine-dining restaurant.

4. Low-Carb and Light

This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it ideal for those following low-carb or keto diets, or simply looking for a light, healthy meal.

5. Versatile

Lemon Butter Scallops can be paired with a variety of sides, from vegetables to pasta or even a simple salad, allowing you to customize the meal to your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Scallops:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 pound sea scallops
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for a bit of heat.
Herb Infusion: Try adding other fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or tarragon to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Wine Sauce: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a richer, more complex flavor.
Coconut Milk: For a tropical twist, you can substitute part of the butter with coconut milk for a creamy sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a nice sear when cooking. Season both sides of the scallops with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Scallops

Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the scallops to the pan, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and are opaque in the center. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Add the Lemon and Seasonings

Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Return the Scallops to the Pan

Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked scallops to the skillet, gently tossing them in the sauce to coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the scallops and allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the scallops, and serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as pasta, rice, or a green salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry the Scallops Well: Make sure to pat the scallops dry with a paper towel before cooking. This helps create a good sear and prevents them from releasing too much liquid into the pan.
Don’t Overcook: Scallops cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. When they turn opaque and firm to the touch, they’re done.
Adjust the Lemon: If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, add extra lemon juice to the sauce, or garnish with lemon zest.
Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and brightness to the dish, so avoid using dried herbs in place of fresh parsley.

How to Serve

Lemon Butter Scallops are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides:

Pasta: Serve over a bed of angel hair pasta or linguine for a light yet satisfying meal.
Rice: Pair with jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the scallops.
Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a healthy and balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lemon Butter Scallops are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet to prevent the scallops from becoming tough.

Freezing

Freezing cooked scallops is not recommended, as they can become rubbery when reheated. It’s best to enjoy them freshly made.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to help retain moisture. Gently warm the scallops without overcooking them.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Just make sure to thaw them properly in the refrigerator before cooking, and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

2. Can I make this dish without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter if you prefer a dairy-free version.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

4. How do I know when the scallops are cooked?

Scallops are done when they are opaque and firm to the touch. Overcooking them can make them tough, so be careful not to cook them for too long.

5. Can I add other seasonings to the lemon butter sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme, tarragon, or dill, or add a dash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the scallops are best served fresh, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce before adding the scallops to cook.

7. What can I serve with this dish?

Lemon Butter Scallops pair well with pasta, rice, vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal.

8. Can I use a different kind of seafood?

Yes, you can substitute scallops with shrimp or other shellfish if you prefer.

9. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Make sure to cook the garlic over medium heat and stir frequently to avoid burning it. Garlic burns easily, so it’s important to keep an eye on it.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve more people, but make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the scallops. You may need to cook them in batches.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Scallops is an elegant and simple seafood dish that is bursting with flavor. The tender scallops, paired with the creamy lemon butter sauce, create a dish that is light yet satisfying. Perfect for special occasions or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its fresh ingredients and delicious flavor. Try it today for a delightful seafood meal that is both easy to make and full of vibrant, tangy goodness!