Description
This Pan-Seared Scallops recipe delivers a perfect golden crust and tender, juicy interior accented with a luscious lemon butter garlic sauce. It’s a quick and elegant seafood dish ideal for a gourmet dinner or special occasion, pairing beautifully with risotto, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large sea scallops (patted dry)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons white wine or chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Scallops: Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper to ensure a perfect sear.
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering for an optimal cooking surface.
- Sear Scallops: Place scallops in the pan in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook without moving them for 2–3 minutes until a golden crust forms.
- Flip and Cook: Flip scallops and cook for another 1–2 minutes until just opaque in the center, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze Pan: Add lemon juice and white wine or chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute to reduce the sauce slightly.
- Coat Scallops: Return scallops to the pan briefly to coat with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Transfer scallops to a serving plate, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are thoroughly dried before cooking to achieve a golden crust.
- Pair this dish with risotto, pasta, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Using a cast-iron skillet enhances the searing process for better flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
