Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Pan-seared scallops are a simple yet elegant dish that delivers tender, golden-crusted seafood with a bright lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, this recipe is both easy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Step 2: Season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Step 3: Carefully place the scallops in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 2-3 minutes without moving them until a golden crust forms.
4. Step 4: Flip the scallops and add the butter, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, basting the scallops with the melted butter.
5. Step 5: Remove the scallops from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle with the lemon butter sauce from the pan and garnish with fresh parsley.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the scallops are completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect sear and avoid steaming.
• Use unsalted butter to control the seasoning and prevent the sauce from becoming too salty.
• For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce.
• Try swapping fresh parsley for dill or chives for a different fresh herb flavor.

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. Note that scallops are best enjoyed fresh, as reheating can make them tough.

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 get a good sear.

What can I serve with pan-seared scallops?

They pair well with light sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad to complement the bright lemon butter sauce.

Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2-3 1x

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Description

This recipe for Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, golden scallops enhanced by a bright, buttery lemon sauce. Perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the garlic, lemon zest, and fresh parsley add fresh flavors that complement the natural sweetness of sea scallops.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood

• 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry

Cooking Fats & Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Flavorings

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers to prepare for searing the scallops.
2. Season the scallops: Pat the scallops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor and promote browning.
3. Sear the scallops: Place scallops carefully into the hot skillet without overcrowding. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust.
4. Flip and add sauce ingredients: Flip the scallops and add butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, basting with the melted butter to infuse flavor and keep them moist.
5. Serve: Remove scallops from the skillet and arrange on a serving plate. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce from the pan over the scallops and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
6. Enjoy immediately: Serve right away to enjoy the scallops at their best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure scallops are patted dry before cooking to get a proper sear and crust.
• Do not overcrowd the pan to allow scallops to sear properly, avoiding steaming.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
• Serve immediately after cooking to maintain scallops’ tenderness and sauce quality.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pan-seared scallops, lemon butter sauce, seafood recipe, quick dinner, easy scallops