Description
Succulent lemon butter scallops elevate seafood with Mediterranean elegance. Quick pan-seared delicacy combines tangy citrus and rich butter for an elegant coastal dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) sea scallops, side muscle removed
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously pat scallops dry using paper towels, removing all surface moisture. Season both sides with salt and cracked black pepper, ensuring uniform coverage.
- Searing: Heat olive oil in a heavy-based skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering. Strategically place scallops with ample spacing to prevent steaming, allowing each to develop a rich golden crust. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until surfaces caramelize and centers turn translucent white.
- Sauce Creation: Remove scallops and reduce skillet heat. Melt butter smoothly, introducing finely minced garlic and stirring constantly to release aromatic essence without browning. Splash fresh lemon juice into the bubbling butter, creating a vibrant sauce that reduces slightly.
- Finishing: Reunite seared scallops with luminous lemon butter sauce, coating each morsel thoroughly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish for a verdant touch. Plate immediately on warmed surfaces, garnishing with additional parsley and optional lemon wedges to enhance visual presentation and provide complementary citrus notes.
Notes
- Moisture Mastery: Thoroughly pat scallops dry with paper towels to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent unwanted steaming.
- Precision Searing: Use a heavy-based skillet and maintain medium-high heat, leaving space between scallops to create a crisp, caramelized exterior.
- Temperature Control: Watch cooking time closely (2-3 minutes per side) to ensure scallops remain tender and translucent in the center without overcooking.
- Sauce Finesse: Remove garlic from heat immediately to prevent burning, creating a smooth, aromatic lemon butter sauce that complements the delicate scallop flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg