If you’re searching for a dish that combines elegance and simplicity, look no further than these garlic lemon butter seared scallops. This recipe transforms fresh scallops into a restaurant-quality meal that is incredibly easy to prepare at home. Perfect for a special dinner date or a flavorful weeknight treat, these scallops are a seafood lover’s dream.
Imagine perfectly seared scallops, golden on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, bathed in a tangy lemon butter sauce with a hint of garlic. This dish offers a delightful balance of flavors that will impress anyone around your dinner table. Serve it over a bed of creamy risotto, alongside garlic bread, or simply with a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
This recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients and uncomplicated cooking techniques. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that these scallops are not only delicious but also quick to make, allowing you to indulge in restaurant-quality dining from the comfort of your home.
The Perfect Garlic Lemon Butter Scallops
These garlic lemon butter seared scallops are rich and buttery, complemented by bright citrus notes and a garlicky aroma. The scallops are pan-seared to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops, thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until sizzling.
- Sear the Scallops: Add the scallops to the pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted and combined. Return the scallops to the pan, gently coating them in the garlic lemon sauce.
- Serve: Plate the scallops and drizzle with the lemon butter sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
