This quick and elegant dish features tender scallops seared to perfection and coated in a zesty lemon butter sauce. It’s perfect for a special dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Author:Stephanie
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Searing
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound (450g) sea scallops, side muscle removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Scallops:
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the Scallops:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Add the scallops in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook in batches.
Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and opaque in the center.
Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and cook for an additional minute.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
Return the seared scallops to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon butter sauce.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Choosing Scallops: Opt for dry-packed scallops, as they sear better and have a more natural flavor compared to wet-packed scallops.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or over a bed of pasta for a complete meal.