Description
Lemon Butter Scallops is a quick and elegant seafood dish featuring fresh scallops seared to golden perfection and enhanced with a rich lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and parsley. Perfect for a light dinner or a sophisticated appetizer, this recipe delivers bright citrus flavors and a buttery finish in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb fresh scallops
Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Scallops: Rinse scallops under cold water to remove any impurities and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Melt Butter: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it begins to bubble, creating a flavorful base for the scallops.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Sear Scallops: Place the scallops in the skillet, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding, and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Add Lemon and Seasoning: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the scallops, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to coat the scallops evenly with the flavors.
- Finish with Butter and Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chopped fresh parsley until the butter melts and forms a silky sauce.
- Serve: Plate the scallops immediately and serve with lemon wedges for an added burst of citrus if desired.
Notes
- Be sure to pat the scallops dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor in the sauce.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; sear scallops in batches if necessary.
- The dish cooks quickly, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking scallops, which can become rubbery.
- Serving suggestion: pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
