Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops – A Perfectly Seared Delight

Looking for an elegant, easy-to-make dish that will impress? These Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are the answer! Quick to prepare yet bursting with delicious flavors, they are perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat. The buttery garlic sauce, combined with the zesty lemon, perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the scallops. Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

INGREDIENTS :

• 1 lb large sea scallops, patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Prep the scallops: Start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels. This is important for a good sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), add the scallops to the pan in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded.
3. Sear the scallops: Cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side without moving them, allowing them to form a golden-brown crust. When done, remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Add lemon: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
6. Return the scallops to the pan: Place the seared scallops back into the pan, spooning the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the scallops are fully cooked through (opaque and firm to the touch).
7. Garnish and serve: Garnish the scallops with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy immediately with your favorite side dish.

NOTES :

• Substitutions: You can swap scallops with shrimp for a similar dish.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for some heat.
• Serving suggestions: Serve these scallops over pasta, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
• For a crispy crust: Ensure the pan is hot before adding the scallops, and don’t overcrowd the pan.

NUTRITION FACTS (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g

Conclusion :

These Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are a showstopper! The combination of the sweet scallops, rich garlic butter, and tangy lemon makes this dish unforgettable. Perfect for a date night or special occasion, it’s simple yet luxurious. Try this recipe today and let us know how much you loved it!