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Seared Scallops in Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

A delightful dish showcasing tender sea scallops in a fragrant lemon garlic butter sauce, perfect for impressing guests or indulging at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 pound sea scallops Tender and sweet, scallops offer a luxurious touch to any dish.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds richness while providing a beautiful golden sear.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential seasonings that enhance the scallops’ natural flavor.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Creamy and smooth, it forms the base of the stunning sauce.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and flavorful, garlic elevates the dish.
  • 1 lemon, juice Brightens and balances the flavors, adding a refreshing zest.
  • 1 lemon, zest Enhances the citrus notes and adds a burst of freshness.
  • fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Introduces a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Let the scallops sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
Cooking
  1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  2. Add the scallops in a single layer, searing for about 2-3 minutes without moving them.
  3. Carefully flip each scallop and cook for another 1-2 minutes until just opaque.
  4. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside.
  5. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
  7. Toss the scallops back into the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the sauce.
  8. Plate the scallops immediately and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Use dry scallops for the best sear. You can garnish with additional lemon slices or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick. Leftover scallops can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.