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Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 11 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2-3 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://kitchenofsimon.com/pan-seared-scallops-with-lemon-butter-sauce-recipe/