If you adore seafood that feels elegant yet comes together in a flash, then this Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The combination of juicy scallops, garlic, zesty lemon, and rich butter creates an irresistible harmony of flavors that’s both bright and indulgent. Every bite delivers a tender, golden crust with that perfect melt-in-your-mouth interior, making it an ideal dish to impress guests or treat yourself after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, fresh, and each plays a crucial role in building the vibrant and luscious profile of this dish. From the creamy butter to the punchy garlic and the brightness of fresh lemon juice, every element is essential for creating the perfect sear and sauce.
- 1 lb sea scallops: Use fresh scallops for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Prevents sticking and gives a slight fruity undertone.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the butter with aromatic depth and subtle spice.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the scallops and sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
How to Make Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Scallops
Patting your sea scallops completely dry is key to achieving that coveted golden crust when searing. Moisture is the enemy of a perfect sear, so take your time here. Once dry, season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet with Olive Oil and Butter
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. The combination not only prevents sticking but also helps achieve the perfect balance of flavor and color on your scallops. Let the butter melt fully and become slightly sizzling before moving on.
Step 3: Sear the Scallops
Carefully place the scallops in the hot skillet, making sure not to crowd them; this ensures even cooking and a crisp golden crust. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, then flip gently to sear the other side. The aroma at this point is simply irresistible!
Step 4: Add Garlic and Finish Cooking
Once flipped, add the minced garlic and the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. As the butter melts and mingles with the garlic, gently spoon this fragrant mixture over each scallop. This step infuses every bite with deep garlicky goodness and keeps the scallops moist and tender as they finish cooking.
Step 5: Deglaze with Fresh Lemon Juice
Pour fresh lemon juice into the pan to deglaze it, stirring to blend with the melted butter and garlic. This lemon butter sauce is the vibrant finishing touch, cutting through the richness with zesty brightness and making the dish sing.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Transfer the scallops to a serving dish and spoon the luscious lemon garlic butter sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a fresh, herby finish. Serve immediately to enjoy them at their best.
How to Serve Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like fresh parsley or microgreens can elevate the look and add a fresh, herbaceous note. Some lemon zest can also add a little extra brightness and aroma right on the plate.
Side Dishes
These scallops shine alongside creamy risotto, buttery mashed potatoes, or even a vibrant green salad. Garlic lemon butter seared scallops also pair wonderfully with grilled asparagus or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the scallops over a bed of garlic-infused spaghetti or serve them atop lightly toasted bread with a drizzle of the lemon butter sauce. You can even top a fresh, creamy polenta with the scallops for a restaurant-worthy dinner at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the scallops separate from any salad or side dishes to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing cooked scallops is not recommended as they tend to become rubbery upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops Recipe fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat just until heated through, spooning leftover garlic lemon butter sauce over the scallops to keep them moist. Avoid using the microwave as it can easily overcook and toughen the scallops.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Dry scallops will sear better and develop that delicious crust you want.
What type of pan is best for searing scallops?
A heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel works best to maintain even heat and give you that perfect golden sear.
How can I tell when scallops are cooked?
They should be opaque all the way through and have a golden crust. Cooking time is short, generally 2–3 minutes per side, so watch closely to prevent overcooking.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! It’s elegant, quick, and packed with flavor—perfect for celebrations, date nights, or when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops Recipe is like inviting a touch of coastal sunshine right onto your plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Once you try it, these rich, garlicky, lemony scallops will become a go-to favorite that you’ll want to share over and over again. So heat your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor one of the most deliciously satisfying seafood dishes out there.
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Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops recipe features perfectly pan-seared sea scallops cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic lemon butter sauce. With a quick prep and cook time, this elegant dish is ideal for a special dinner or a delightful seafood treat, boasting a golden crust, vibrant citrus notes, and a fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb sea scallops
Cooking Fats and Oils
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Scallops: Pat the sea scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and allow them to heat until the butter melts and begins to sizzle.
- Sear Scallops First Side: Gently place the scallops in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Let them sear for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Flip Scallops: Carefully flip each scallop over to sear the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through with a tender interior.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Add the minced garlic and the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. As the butter melts, spoon the fragrant garlic butter over the scallops to infuse flavor as they finish cooking.
- Deglaze with Lemon Juice: Pour the fresh lemon juice into the pan to deglaze, stirring the mixture to combine with the butter and garlic, creating a savory lemon butter sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the scallops from the pan and plate them. Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce generously over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve the scallops immediately to enjoy the best texture and full flavor of this exquisite dish.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are very dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow even cooking and browning.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor in the butter sauce.
- Serve immediately as scallops tend to toughen when reheated.
- Can be paired well with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
