Quick Seared Scallops in Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

Seafood lovers rejoice as these golden seared scallops with lemon garlic butter dance on the plate with elegance and flavor.

Perfectly caramelized edges seal in delicate oceanic tenderness, creating a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily master at home.

Each scallop promises a luxurious bite that melts like silk on your tongue.

The bright citrus notes from fresh lemon and rich garlic butter complement the sweet marine essence of these succulent shellfish.

Simple ingredients combine to produce a stunning meal that looks complex but comes together in minutes.

Rich, decadent, and surprisingly straightforward, this recipe turns an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience.

Get ready to impress your guests with this restaurant-quality seafood sensation.

Keep It Fresh: Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter Storage Tips

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover seared scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum 1-2 days. The delicate texture starts to break down quickly, so consuming them sooner ensures the best taste and quality.
• Freeze for Later: Carefully pack scallops in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen scallops maintain good quality for up to 3 weeks when sealed properly, preventing freezer burn and preserving their delicate flavor.
• Reheat Gently: Warm refrigerated scallops in a skillet over low heat with a small amount of butter to prevent drying. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the seafood tough and rubbery, destroying the original tender texture.
• Prep in Advance: Clean and pat dry scallops up to 24 hours before cooking, storing them on a paper towel-lined plate in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Keep them uncovered to help remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden sear when cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 408 kcal

Servings: 3

Start With These for Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter

• Sea Scallops: Tender ocean jewels that promise a luxurious dining experience, select plump, pearly white scallops with a sweet, delicate aroma and no fishy smell.
• Salt: Enhances natural scallop flavors, use fine sea salt for smooth seasoning and balanced taste.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect golden sear with a heart-healthy touch, choose extra virgin for rich, clean flavor.
• Butter: Adds rich, velvety depth and helps create beautiful caramelization, select high-quality unsalted butter for optimal control.

• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that brings warm, pungent notes, choose fresh cloves with firm, tight skin for maximum zest.
• Lemon: Bright citrus that cuts through richness and lifts entire dish, pick firm, heavy lemons with vibrant yellow skin for juiciest results.
• Fresh Parsley: Delicate herb that adds fresh, green finish, select bright green leaves without wilting for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
• Black Pepper: Sharp, warming spice that complements seafood's delicate nature, use freshly ground for most intense flavor profile.

Prep Tool Needed for Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter

• Large Sauté Pan or Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for perfectly searing scallops, creating a golden crust.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for drying scallops completely before cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helps flip scallops and move them around the pan safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate butter and oil measurements.
• Small Bowl: Optional for mixing or preparing ingredients beforehand.

How You’ll Cook Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter

• Scallop Preparation

Gently dry each plump seafood morsel with soft paper towels, removing any excess moisture. A pristine surface ensures a perfect golden crust when cooking.

• Sizzling Surface

Select a heavy skillet that conducts heat beautifully. Warm the pan until it whispers with intense heat. Introduce a splash of olive oil and a knob of butter, creating a luxurious cooking landscape.

• Golden Transformation

Carefully place delicate scallops into the hot pan, allowing each piece breathing room. Watch as they transform into golden medallions, developing a stunning caramelized exterior. Flip after approximately two minutes, revealing a rich bronze color.

• Flavor Finale

Reduce pan heat and welcome fragrant garlic, dancing it briefly in melted butter. Splash bright citrus juice, creating a silky, tangy coating. Swirl scallops through this liquid magic, ensuring each piece glistens with zesty warmth.

• Elegant Presentation

Transfer these oceanic gems to waiting plates. Shower with fresh herb confetti, adding a vibrant green contrast. Serve immediately, celebrating the tender, succulent treasures straight from the sea.

Make It Better: Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter Tweaks & Ideas

• Use a heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron for even heat distribution. Pat scallops completely dry and avoid moving them while cooking to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Experiment with herb variations by substituting parsley with fresh dill, chives, or tarragon. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
• Replace lemon juice with white wine or add a splash of capers for a Mediterranean twist. Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter version of the sauce.
• Serve over creamy risotto, roasted asparagus, or cauliflower puree to elevate the dish. Garnish with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra texture and nutty flavor.

Best Ways to Plate Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the delicate scallop flavor with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, enhancing the lemon and butter notes.
• Create Elegant Plating: Arrange seared scallops on a white plate, drizzle golden lemon butter sauce around the edges, and sprinkle fresh parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Serve with Light Sides: Match the scallops with simple accompaniments like herb-roasted asparagus, creamy risotto, or a fresh mixed green salad to balance the rich buttery texture.
• Garnish with Zest: Add a final touch of brightness by grating fresh lemon zest over the scallops just before serving, amplifying the citrus undertones and adding visual appeal.

Succulent Seared Scallops With Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Crispy seared scallops with lemon garlic butter deliver restaurant-quality elegance to home kitchens. Delicate marine flavors merge with rich butter, creating a simple yet sophisticated seafood experience you’ll want to savor again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.25 lbs (567 g) sea scallops, side muscle removed
• 3 tbsps (45 g) butter
• 1.5 tbsps (22 mL) olive oil or canola oil
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) fresh lemon juice
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsps chopped fresh parsley or other fresh herbs
• Salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels, ensuring no moisture remains. Season with sea salt just before cooking to prevent drawing out liquid.
2. Heating Pan: Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Combine olive oil and unsalted butter, allowing the mixture to become intensely hot without scorching.
3. Searing Technique: Arrange scallops in the skillet with ample spacing, preventing steaming. Allow each scallop to develop a rich caramelized crust undisturbed for 1½-2 minutes.
4. Flipping and Finishing First Side: Use tongs to turn scallops, cooking the reverse side for an additional 1½-2 minutes until achieving a deep golden hue. Transfer cooked scallops to a warm plate.
5. Creating Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to low, gently clearing any burnt particles. Melt remaining butter, introducing finely minced garlic and stirring consistently to release its aromatic profile.
6. Finalizing Sauce and Scallops: After 30-45 seconds, add fresh lemon juice to create a silky sauce. Return scallops to the pan, gently coating them in the fragrant butter mixture and warming for 1 minute.
7. Serving: Embellish with freshly chopped parsley, a subtle salt sprinkle, and freshly ground black pepper. Present immediately while scallops remain tender and sauce glistens invitingly.

Notes

• Dry Thoroughly: Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior on scallops, preventing steaming and ensuring perfect caramelization.
• Heat Management: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and maintain medium-high heat to create the ideal searing environment without burning the delicate seafood.
• Spacing Matters: Place scallops with ample room between them to prevent steaming, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden crust.
• Sauce Timing: Create the lemon garlic butter sauce quickly after searing to preserve the scallops’ delicate texture and maximize flavor absorption.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 408
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg