Description
Indulge in the succulent delight of perfectly pan-seared scallops with this easy and elegant recipe. These scallops are seared to golden perfection, then dressed with a garlic butter sauce and a splash of lemon juice, creating a dish that’s both impressive and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large sea scallops, patted dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: extra lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops: Remove the small side muscle from the scallops if still attached. Pat scallops very dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Scallops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add scallops in a single layer without crowding. Sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a golden crust forms.
- Finish the Dish: Flip the scallops and add butter and garlic to the pan. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, spooning the butter over the scallops. Remove from heat and squeeze lemon juice over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, dry-packed scallops.
- Don’t move the scallops while searing to ensure a perfect golden crust.
- Serve over risotto, pasta, or a bed of greens for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 scallops
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
