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Flavorful Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

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A quick and easy recipe for seared scallops with a golden crust, infused with a bright lemon garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large sea scallops, patted dry
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Remove the small side muscle if attached.
  2. Season both sides of the scallops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but is not smoking.
  4. Place scallops in the pan spaced apart. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until bottoms develop a golden-brown crust.
  5. Flip the scallops gently using tongs and immediately add 2 tablespoons butter to the pan.
  6. As the butter melts, stir in minced garlic and lemon zest. Spoon the buttery sauce over the scallops continuously while cooking for 1-2 minutes until scallops are firm but tender.
  7. Remove the pan from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops. Toss in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Transfer scallops to a warm plate, spoon extra lemon garlic butter sauce on top, and serve immediately.

Notes

Dry scallops are best for a good sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Add garlic after flipping scallops to avoid burning. Cook scallops until firm but still slightly springy to avoid rubberiness. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of butter or olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: scallops, lemon garlic butter scallops, seafood recipe, easy dinner, quick scallops, pan-seared scallops, lemon scallops, garlic butter sauce

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/flavorful-lemon-garlic-butter-scallops-recipe-perfect-for-easy-dinner/