Name: Lemon Butter Scallops: A Light and Flavorful Seafood Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 pound sea scallops; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Description

These Lemon Butter Scallops are a perfect combination of sweet, tender scallops and a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce. The garlic and fresh parsley add a burst of flavor, making this dish an elegant and quick seafood delight that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Scallops:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 pound sea scallops
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper.
Cook the Scallops: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the scallops in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
Finish the Sauce: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Combine and Serve: Return the cooked scallops to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over them. Allow the scallops to warm up in the sauce for a minute or two. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce while cooking the garlic.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used as a substitute, though fresh will provide a brighter flavor.
Be sure to avoid overcooking the scallops; they should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-searing
Cuisine: Seafood

Keywords: Lemon Butter Scallops, Seafood, Quick Dinner, Scallops Recipe, Lemon Garlic Scallops