Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are a quick and elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Succulent scallops are seared to golden perfection and finished with a bright, buttery lemon garlic sauce. This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large sea scallops, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add scallops in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove scallops and set aside.
- Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Step 6: Return scallops to the pan, spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over them to glaze.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Pair with crusty bread or pasta for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Make sure the scallops are completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Substitute fresh parsley with cilantro or basil for a different herbal note.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use clarified butter instead of regular butter to increase the smoke point and prevent burning.
Storage
Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking and becoming rubbery. For best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy scallops fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that hinders searing.
What can I serve with lemon garlic butter scallops?
They pair wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad to complement the bright and buttery flavors.
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Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and elegant Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops recipe featuring perfectly seared scallops glazed with a zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Ideal for a flavorful and impressive seafood dish ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb large sea scallops, patted dry
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flavorings
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare scallops: Pat the scallops thoroughly dry using paper towels to ensure a good sear and season both sides evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat skillet and oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers but does not smoke to create the perfect searing temperature.
- Sear scallops: Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the skillet without overcrowding. Sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Once seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic in butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add lemon juice and zest: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and zest, stirring the mixture and scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Glaze scallops: Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over them to coat thoroughly and warm through briefly.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the scallops with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, ideally accompanied by crusty bread or your favorite pasta.
Notes
- Patting the scallops dry is crucial for a good sear and to avoid steaming them.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing scallops to ensure they caramelize properly.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the scallops at their optimal tenderness and flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon garlic butter scallops, seared scallops, seafood dinner, easy scallop recipe, quick seafood dish
