Tangy Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent garlic lemon butter seared scallops dance with vibrant Mediterranean flavors on your plate.

Sea-kissed delicacies bring elegant simplicity to dinner preparations.

Crisp golden edges promise restaurant-quality magic right in your kitchen.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact when carefully balanced.

Fresh scallops deserve gentle handling and swift cooking techniques.

Professional chefs know these delicate morsels require precise heat management.

You can master this impressive dish with just a few expert tricks.

Let’s unlock the secrets to perfectly caramelized seafood that will make everyone swoon.

Variations to Customize Scallops

• Herb-Infused Seafood Delight: Replace parsley with fresh dill or chives for a different herbal profile. Mix in tarragon for a French-inspired variation that adds complexity to the scallop flavor.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes or paprika to the butter sauce for a subtle heat. Incorporate minced shallots alongside garlic to enhance the aromatic base of the dish.
• Gluten-Free Keto Option: Use ghee instead of butter for a richer flavor and dairy-free alternative. Replace olive oil with avocado oil to maintain high-heat cooking capabilities and match ketogenic dietary requirements.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Swap lemon juice with rice vinegar and add a splash of soy sauce. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and green onions as a garnish to create an East Asian flavor profile.

Pairings That Complement Seared Scallops

• Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the delicate scallops' buttery, lemony flavor profile and cuts through the richness.
• Create a creamy parmesan risotto infused with fresh herbs like thyme or basil, providing a smooth, complementary base that supports the scallops' delicate texture.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with segments of grapefruit or orange, dressed in a light vinaigrette, which adds brightness and balances the richness of the seared scallops.

How to Store Garlic Lemon Butter Scallops

• Refrigeration: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm scallops on 50% power in 15-second intervals to prevent overcooking. Stop heating once they reach an internal temperature of 125°F to maintain tenderness.
• Skillet Reheating: Gently warm scallops in a lightly buttered skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Flip once to ensure even heating and preserve their delicate texture.
• Sauce Preservation: Keep the remaining garlic lemon butter sauce separately in a sealed container. When reheating, drizzle the sauce over the scallops just before serving to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent separation.

FAQs

• How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown crust on each side and a slightly translucent center. They should be firm but still tender, and the cooking time is typically 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side.

• Why is it important to pat scallops dry before cooking?

Drying scallops removes excess moisture, which helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear and prevents steaming instead of searing. Moisture prevents the perfect caramelization that gives scallops their delicious crispy exterior.

• What type of pan works best for searing scallops?

A cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed sauté pan works best because they distribute heat evenly and can reach high temperatures needed for a perfect sear. Non-stick pans are not recommended as they cannot create the same crispy exterior.

Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops That Impress

• Craft Gourmet Magic: Transform simple scallops into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Combine butter, garlic, and lemon for an intense taste experience that elevates seafood to a new level.
• Elegant Weeknight Dinner: Impress family or guests with a sophisticated meal that looks complicated but comes together in minutes.
• Nutritious Protein Choice: Select scallops as a lean, protein-packed option that delivers incredible flavor without heavy calories.

Ingredients for Garlic Lemon Butter Scallops

• Scallops: Fresh seafood with a delicate, sweet flavor that serves as the star of this elegant dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help achieve a perfect golden sear on the scallops.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the scallops.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the natural taste of the scallops and provide essential seasoning.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a tangy citrus note to balance the richness of the butter.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a light, fresh flavor to finish the dish.

Instructions for Seared Scallops

Step 1: Prep the Sea Stars

Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures a perfect golden crust when searing.

Sprinkle a light layer of salt across the scallops for enhanced flavor.

Step 2: Create the Golden Sear

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high temperature.

Add oil and butter to the pan, allowing it to get super hot but not burning. Carefully place scallops into the skillet, giving each piece plenty of space.

Cook each side for about 2 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Remove seared scallops and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Craft the Magical Sauce

Lower the pan’s heat and melt fresh butter. Toss in minced garlic, stirring quickly to release its aromatic flavors without burning.

Pour fresh lemon juice into the pan, creating a fragrant sauce that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the seared scallops to the buttery garlic sauce.

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Pinch of salt
• Cracked black pepper

Serve immediately while the scallops are warm and sauce is silky smooth.

Perfect alongside rice, pasta, or a crisp salad.

Pro Tips to Perfect Seared Scallops

• Pat scallops completely dry to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear, preventing moisture from preventing caramelization.
• Use high-quality, fresh sea scallops for the best flavor and texture, avoiding frozen ones if possible.
• Maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and delicate.
• Create a quick pan sauce by deglazing with lemon juice, capturing all the delicious browned bits from searing for extra flavor depth.
• Serve immediately after cooking to preserve the scallops' delicate texture and prevent overcooking, which can make them rubbery and tough.

Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic lemon butter seared scallops deliver Mediterranean coastal elegance on a plate. Delicate shellfish shine with simple ingredients, creating restaurant-quality seafood magic in mere minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.25 lbs sea scallops (side muscles removed)
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tbsps butter
• 1–2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1.5 tbsps olive or canola oil
• 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley or other fresh herbs
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dry scallops using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, enabling a perfect golden sear. Lightly sprinkle sea salt across the surface.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until nearly smoking, approximately 2-3 minutes. Carefully place scallops into the pan, maintaining spacing between each piece to prevent steaming.
3. Sear scallops for precisely 90 seconds on each side, developing a rich caramelized exterior. Remove scallops and transfer to a separate plate once golden brown.
4. Reduce heat to low and add remaining butter to the same skillet. Introduce minced garlic, stirring continuously until aromatic and fragrant, about 45-60 seconds.
5. Pour fresh lemon juice into the skillet, creating a vibrant sauce that captures the garlic’s essence. Gently swirl to combine butter and lemon.
6. Return seared scallops to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the garlic-lemon butter. Warm for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring even sauce distribution.
7. Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped parsley, adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately while the scallops remain warm and succulent.

Notes

• Pat scallops thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown sear and preventing steaming instead of browning.
• Use a hot cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to create an ideal crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, delicate interior.
• For dairy-free alternatives, replace butter with high-heat neutral oils like avocado or grapeseed oil, maintaining the same searing technique.
• Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops without preservatives for the most authentic flavor and best searing results, avoiding watery or chemically treated seafood.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 164 kcal
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 116 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.2 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg