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Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Scallops with Lemon

Six perfectly seared Garlic Butter Scallops with Lemon sitting in glistening garlic butter sauce on a white plate.
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Cook restaurant-quality scallops with a rich garlic butter and bright lemon sauce using this simple searing method.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large sea scallops, patted very dry
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  3. Place the scallops in the hot skillet, ensuring they do not touch. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes without moving them until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
  4. Flip the scallops and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until opaque throughout. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  6. Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid reduce slightly, about 1 minute.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  8. Return the scallops to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce for about 15 seconds to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the best sear, ensure your scallops are completely dry before cooking. Moisture prevents browning.
  • If using frozen scallops, thaw them completely and dry them thoroughly before seasoning.
  • Serve these scallops over rice pilaf or alongside roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute the wine/broth with heavy cream for the last minute of cooking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/garlic-butter-scallops-with-lemon/