Description
A quick and elegant Lemon Butter Scallops recipe featuring seared sea scallops cooked to golden perfection and served with a fragrant lemon garlic butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect as a light dinner or impressive appetizer.
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
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat to create a flavorful base for cooking the scallops.
- Clean the scallops: Remove the small side muscle from each scallop, rinse them under cold water, and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Season and sear scallops: Lightly season the scallops with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the scallops in a single layer in the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown on the outside and translucent in the center. Remove and keep warm.
- Make the lemon butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the scallops and drizzle them with the lemon butter sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley leaves for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Removing the side muscle from scallops is essential as it can be tough and chewy.
- Patting scallops dry before searing prevents steaming and ensures a crisp, golden crust.
- Cook scallops in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the pan temperature and prevent proper searing.
- Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and better browning.
- Adjust lemon juice according to taste for a more or less tangy sauce.
Keywords: lemon butter scallops, seared scallops, seafood recipe, quick scallops, garlic lemon sauce, simple dinner, cast iron scallops