Description
These Lemon Butter Scallops are a quick, elegant dish that’s full of flavor! The scallops are perfectly seared and served with a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce, making this dish a simple yet impressive seafood entrée. Perfect for a special occasion or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
-
Prepare the Scallops:
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them sear properly.
- Season the scallops with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
-
Sear the Scallops:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the scallops to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, but still tender and opaque in the center. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside.
-
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked scallops to the skillet and toss them gently in the lemon butter sauce for 1-2 minutes to coat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the scallops are very dry before cooking. This ensures a beautiful sear.
- You can serve these scallops over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Seafood
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American