If you’re looking for a dish that’s worthy of a special occasion but easy enough for a weeknight, this Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe is a showstopper. Sweet, tender sea scallops are beautifully seared until golden, then bathed in a zesty sauce of fresh lemon and aromatic garlic. Finished with a sprinkle of bright parsley and a hint of heat if you like, it’s a recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re out to impress or simply want to treat yourself, this Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe makes every meal feel like a celebration.

Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe is how simple it is, and yet every ingredient is crucial to achieving big flavor and perfect texture. Each one plays its part — from building a luscious sauce to adding just the right burst of color and aroma.

Sea scallops: Choose the freshest you can find; they become tender and sweet when seared properly.
Olive oil: Ensures a golden, crisp sear and adds a lovely, subtle flavor to the pan.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates a velvety base for the sauce.
Garlic, minced: The hero of the sauce — it perfumes the whole dish with irresistible aroma.
Lemon juice: Brightens every bite and balances the richness of the butter.
Lemon zest: Adds punchy citrus flavor and a fresh pop of color right at the end.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a burst of green and a final flourish of freshness.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe

Step 1: Season the Scallops

Start by patting your sea scallops completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper; this helps create that dreamy golden crust and ensures the inside stays tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Sear the Scallops

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the scallops to the pan in a single layer, being careful not to crowd them. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them — this gives you that beautiful caramelized exterior. When done, the scallops should look golden and just opaque in the center. Transfer them to a plate to rest.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, then add your minced garlic. Sauté for just about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it doesn’t brown. Immediately add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let the sauce simmer for a minute to let the flavors mingle and bloom.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the scallops to the skillet, nestling them back into the sauce. Spoon the lemon-garlic butter over each one, letting them warm through for another minute. Sprinkle with plenty of freshly chopped parsley, take in the incredible aroma, and serve right away for the very best experience.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe

Garnishes

The best finish for this dish is a generous shower of bright, chopped parsley and a few extra pinches of lemon zest. A light drizzle of the pan sauce over the scallops not only looks pretty but ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe loves to be shared with simple sides like buttered pasta, steamed rice, or sautéed greens. Crusty bread is a must for soaking up the extra sauce — trust me, you won’t want to waste a single drop.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, serve the scallops atop creamy polenta, or over a fresh salad of arugula and fennel. For a stunning appetizer, skewer the scallops and pass them with tiny forks for easy entertaining. The vibrant sauce even doubles as a quick topper for roasted veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the scallops cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container with the sauce. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days — just be aware that scallops are best enjoyed fresh for the most delicate texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked scallops, their luxurious texture is best right after cooking. If you do need to freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To gently reheat, place the scallops and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a tiny splash of water if needed to keep the sauce from thickening too much. Warm just until heated through — avoid overcooking so the scallops stay tender and juicy.

FAQs

What type Main Course

Large, dry-packed sea scallops are ideal for the Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe, as they sear beautifully and turn out sweet, tender, and juicy. Avoid wet-packed scallops, which can release too much moisture and prevent a good sear.

Can I use frozen scallops?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture is the key to achieving that golden, caramelized crust.

How do I know when scallops are done cooking?

Perfectly cooked scallops will look golden on the outside and just barely opaque in the center. They should feel springy to the touch, not firm or rubbery — usually after 2 to 3 minutes per side, they’re ready to go.

Is this Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for anyone with dietary restrictions or those who love a light, fresh seafood dish.

How can I make the dish spicier?

If you like a bolder kick, simply increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a tiny pinch of cayenne to the sauce. Taste as you go for your preferred level of heat!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking to impress or just spicing up your regular dinner routine, this Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe is one you’ll want to keep close by. Give it a try and watch these flavors brighten up your table and bring happy smiles all around.

Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Lemon Garlic Scallops with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfectly seared scallops in a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Scallops:

1 pound sea scallops

Seasonings:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Prepare Scallops: Pat dry scallops and season with salt and pepper.
Sear Scallops: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear scallops until golden brown.
Make Sauce: In the skillet, melt butter, add garlic, lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes. Simmer sauce.
Finish Dish: Return scallops to skillet, coat with sauce, and heat through. Garnish with parsley.