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Lemon Butter Scallops

Featured in 30-Minute Weeknight Meals.

Lemon Butter Scallops transforms simple sea scallops into an elegant restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. The secret lies in properly searing the scallops until golden brown while keeping their centers tender and translucent. The dish is elevated by a simple yet luxurious sauce made with butter, fresh garlic, and bright lemon juice. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to add a touch of sophistication to your weeknight dinner, this recipe requires just 5 ingredients and 20 minutes of your time. The result is succulent scallops with a perfectly caramelized exterior, complemented by a silky, flavorful sauce.
Comfort Cravings Recipes
Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:16:38 GMT
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Lemon Butter Scallops | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Master the art of perfectly seared scallops with this elegant yet simple recipe. In just 10 minutes, create restaurant quality scallops with a golden crust and delicate lemon butter sauce. This impressive dish requires only 5 ingredients but delivers extraordinary results.

Essential Ingredients

  • Sea Scallops: Fresh or thawed
  • Unsalted Butter: For control
  • Fresh Lemon: Bright flavor
  • Garlic: Aromatic base
  • Fresh Parsley: Garnish

Perfect Scallop Selection

Choosing Scallops:
Look for 'dry' scallops. Avoid 'wet' preserved ones. Select uniform sizes. Check for freshness. Pat completely dry
Preparation Steps:
Remove side muscle. Rinse briefly. Pat very dry. Season properly. Let come to room temperature
Garlic Lemon Scallops Pin it
Garlic Lemon Scallops | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Cooking Process

  • Use high heat
  • Don't overcrowd pan
  • Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side
  • Watch for golden crust
  • Don't overcook

Sauce Creation

  • Use real butter
  • Fresh lemon juice only
  • Mince garlic finely
  • Season carefully
  • Finish with fresh herbs

Storage & Reheating

  • Best served immediately
  • Store up to 1 day
  • Reheat gently in oven
  • Avoid microwave
  • Make fresh sauce

This elegant dish proves that spectacular results can come from simple ingredients and techniques. The key lies in proper preparation and attention to cooking details.

Troubleshooting Guide

If Scallops Don't Sear: Pat scallops completely dry, ensure pan is hot enough, don't overcrowd pan, check if using 'wet' scallops, wait for proper temperature.

If Scallops Are Rubbery: Avoid overcooking, don't use high heat too long, check cooking time, ensure proper size selection, watch for doneness signs.

Sauce Adjustments

  • Add more lemon for brightness
  • Increase butter for richness
  • Adjust garlic to taste
  • Season gradually
  • Control heat carefully

Perfect Pairings

Side Dishes: Risotto, angel hair pasta, roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach.

Wine Suggestions: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne, Prosecco.

Zesty Lemon Butter Seared Scallops Pin it
Zesty Lemon Butter Seared Scallops | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Garnish Options

  • Microgreens
  • Fresh herbs
  • Lemon wedges
  • Capers
  • Toasted pine nuts

Special Occasion Tips

  • Pre measure ingredients
  • Have pan ready
  • Prep sides first
  • Time serving carefully
  • Plate professionally

Menu Planning

Appetizers: Light salad, soup, bruschetta, seafood starter, fresh vegetables.

This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can create an impressive dish. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you want to elevate your everyday dining experience. Remember that success comes from proper preparation and attention to timing.

The key to restaurant quality scallops lies in selecting quality ingredients and maintaining proper cooking temperatures. With practice, this dish becomes an easy yet sophisticated addition to your cooking repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when scallops are properly cooked?
Properly cooked scallops should be golden brown on the outside and slightly translucent in the center. They should feel slightly firm but still tender when pressed. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.
→ Why is it important to pat the scallops dry?
Patting scallops completely dry before cooking is crucial for achieving a good sear. Excess moisture will prevent browning and cause the scallops to steam instead of sear.
→ Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking. Frozen scallops can release more moisture, so proper drying is essential for a good sear.
→ What's the best pan to use for searing scallops?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat well and creates an excellent sear. However, any heavy-bottomed pan will work if cast iron isn't available.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Scallops are best served immediately after cooking. They can become rubbery when reheated. If needed, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead and reheat it gently when ready to serve.

Lemon Butter Scallops

These tender Lemon Butter Scallops are perfectly seared and served in a rich garlic lemon butter sauce for an impressive yet quick dinner option.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Quick & Easy

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Scallops

01 1 pound sea scallops
02 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Lemon Butter Sauce

04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

Step 01

Melt butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat.

Step 02

Remove the small side muscle from the scallops, rinse with cold water and thoroughly pat dry.

Step 03

Season scallops with salt and pepper. Cook in batches in a single layer, flipping once, until golden brown and translucent in the center, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 04

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Serve scallops immediately with lemon butter sauce, garnished with parsley.

Notes

  1. Best served immediately while hot
  2. Pat scallops completely dry for best searing results

Tools You'll Need

  • Large cast iron skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (scallops)
  • Contains dairy (butter)