Description
Lemon butter scallops are tender, golden-brown scallops cooked quickly in a delicious garlic lemon butter sauce. This elegant seafood dish is ready in 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion. Serve alongside pasta, rice, or vegetables for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1½ pounds large sea scallops
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Scallops: Pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels and remove the small side muscle if still attached to ensure even cooking.
- Season Scallops: Season both sides of the scallops evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for balanced flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Sear Scallops: Place scallops in a single layer with space between them in the skillet. Sear without moving for 2–3 minutes to form a deep golden crust.
- Flip and Cook: Flip scallops and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until just cooked through, then transfer to a plate to rest.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning.
- Add Lemon and Broth: Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and broth. Simmer for 1–2 minutes while scraping browned bits from the skillet to build flavor.
- Combine and Garnish: Return scallops to skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
Notes
- Using dry scallops is essential to achieve a good golden crust during searing.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Scallops are best when just cooked through; overcooking leads to a rubbery texture.
- Serve over angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce while simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Seafood, Special Occasion
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
