Description
A quick and elegant Lemon Butter Scallops recipe featuring seared sea scallops in a luscious garlic lemon butter sauce, perfect for a gourmet weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Sea Scallops
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound sea scallops
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops: Remove the small side muscle from each scallop, then rinse them under cold water. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Season: Season the scallops evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Sear the Scallops: Melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place scallops in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping only once, until they develop a golden brown crust and the centers become translucent.
- Set Aside: Remove the cooked scallops from the skillet and keep them warm while preparing the sauce.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the seared scallops and spoon the lemon butter sauce over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Patting the scallops dry is crucial to achieving a perfect sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing scallops; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright color and herbaceous note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve scallops immediately after cooking to enjoy optimal texture and taste.
Keywords: Lemon Butter Scallops, Seared Scallops, Garlic Lemon Sauce, Quick Seafood Recipe, Pan-Seared Scallops