Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Perfectly seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are a show-stopping dish that can elevate any meal. This recipe combines rich flavors and quick preparation, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The standout feature is the silky lemon garlic butter sauce that perfectly complements the tender scallops, creating an elegant yet easy gourmet experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Elegant Flavors: The combination of lemon and garlic creates a bright sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of scallops.
• Versatile Pairing: Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad to create a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: Golden-brown scallops garnished with fresh parsley look stunning on any plate.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish is both delicious and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking and proper searing of the scallops.
• Tongs: Use tongs to flip the scallops gently without damaging their delicate texture.
• Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife helps in quickly chopping garlic and parsley, saving time during preparation.

Ingredients

Perfectly seared scallops finished with a silky lemon garlic butter sauce and fresh parsley. A quick yet elegant seafood dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

For the Scallops

• 1 lb large sea scallops, patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Seasoning

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Pat scallops very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Ensuring they are dry will help achieve a nice sear.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. This preheating step is crucial for creating a golden crust on the scallops.

Step 3: Sear the Scallops

Add the scallops in a single layer without overcrowding them. Sear for about 2–3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 5: Add Lemon Flavor

Stir in lemon juice and zest while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth to your sauce.

Step 6: Glaze the Scallops

Return the seared scallops back into the pan. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over them generously to glaze.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately alongside crusty bread or pasta for an unforgettable meal.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to impress your guests or family. The richness of the butter and the brightness of the lemon complement the scallops beautifully, making it perfect for any occasion.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of freshly baked crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.

Over Pasta

• Place the scallops on a bed of linguine or spaghetti, drizzling extra sauce on top for added flavor and elegance.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Pair with a simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon for a refreshing contrast.

With Rice Pilaf

• Serve over fluffy rice pilaf that absorbs the buttery sauce, adding a nice texture to your meal.

On a Bed of Spinach

• Plate the scallops atop sauteed spinach, allowing the greens to wilt slightly from the heat of the scallops, enhancing both color and taste.

Garnished with Lemon Wedges

• Offer lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy an extra citrus kick with their seafood.

How to Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

To achieve perfectly cooked Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops, follow these essential tips. Each step will help elevate your dish and ensure tender, flavorful results.

• Dry Your Scallops: Ensuring scallops are very dry before cooking helps achieve that perfect golden sear.
• Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat is crucial for creating a nice crust without overcooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.
• Sear Only Once: Avoid moving scallops around once they’re in the pan; let them form a crust before flipping.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and parsley for maximum flavor impact in your sauce.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs right before serving brightens up the dish beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Serving Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting base that pairs well with scallops.
2. Roasted Asparagus
   Crispy roasted asparagus adds both flavor and color, making it a nutritious side option.
3. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers offers a fresh crunch that balances out the richness of the scallops.
4. Grilled Zucchini
   Lightly grilled zucchini adds smoky notes and keeps your meal light and healthy.
5. Creamy Risotto
   A rich risotto can absorb excess sauce while providing a creamy texture that enhances the dish’s luxury feel.
6. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with buttery scallops.
7. Sautéed Green Beans
   Quickly sautéed green beans retain their crispness and add vibrant color alongside your seafood dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Not drying the scallops – If scallops are not patted dry, they will steam instead of sear. Make sure to use paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan – Adding too many scallops at once can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed for that perfect golden crust.
• Using high heat only – While high heat is essential for searing, reducing the heat too much while adding butter can cause it to burn. Adjust the heat carefully after searing.
• Skipping seasoning – Scallops need seasoning to enhance their natural flavor. Don’t forget to salt and pepper both sides before cooking for a more flavorful result.
• Cooking too long – Overcooking scallops makes them rubbery. Aim for a quick sear of 2–3 minutes per side until they are opaque but still tender.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store cooked scallops in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• • Containers: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and avoid absorbing other odors.

Freezing Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

• • Duration: You can freeze cooked scallops for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container with as much air removed as possible.

Reheating Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place scallops on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place scallops in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until heated through, avoiding overcooking.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. This helps maintain moisture while warming them evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know when Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are done?

Scallops are done when they turn opaque and have a golden crust on each side. They should be firm but not rubbery.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops?

Yes! You can use ghee instead of butter or add different herbs like thyme or dill for flavor variation.

What should I serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops?

This dish pairs well with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh salad. It also complements rice or quinoa beautifully.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce ahead and store it separately from the scallops until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this dish can be customized with various herbs and sides. Give this easy gourmet recipe a try, and enjoy the burst of flavors it brings!

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Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in a gourmet experience with our Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops, a dish that transforms any meal into an elegant occasion. These perfectly seared scallops are enveloped in a rich, silky lemon garlic butter sauce that enhances their natural sweetness. Ideal for both hectic weeknight dinners and special celebrations, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with tender scallops garnished with fresh parsley, served alongside pasta, crusty bread, or a refreshing salad. This wholesome dish not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body with its protein-rich ingredients and healthy fats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear scallops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown; remove from skillet.
4. Lower heat; add butter and garlic to skillet, sautéing until fragrant.
5. Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up browned bits.
6. Return scallops to skillet, spooning sauce over them.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 lb (113g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg