Description
Lemon Butter Scallops are a quick and elegant seafood dish featuring perfectly seared scallops finished with a zesty lemon butter sauce that enhances their natural sweetness. Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for special dinners or weeknight treats.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 pound sea scallops
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (for sauce)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the small side muscle from each scallop, rinse under cold water, and pat dry thoroughly.
- Season scallops with salt and pepper.
- Working in batches, place scallops in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly translucent in the center.
- Remove scallops and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the scallops.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking; avoid microwaving.
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor.
Remove the small side muscle from scallops before cooking for better texture.
Cook scallops in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Variations include adding red pepper flakes for heat or using fresh thyme or dill instead of parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz scallops
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
