Description
Succulent large sea scallops seared to golden perfection in olive oil, then bathed in a rich, fragrant lemon garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy skillet dish delivers a burst of fresh citrus and garlic flavors, balanced with a buttery finish and a touch of fresh parsley for garnish. Perfect for an elegant yet fast seafood meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until it begins to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough for searing.
- Sear the Scallops: Carefully place the scallops in the hot skillet without crowding. Sear them for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Then add minced garlic, sautéing gently until it becomes fragrant but not browned—about 1 minute.
- Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. This will infuse the butter sauce with bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Scallops and Sauce: Return the scallops to the skillet, spooning the lemon garlic butter sauce over them to coat evenly and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh parsley over the scallops, and serve immediately to enjoy their tender texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to maintain high heat when searing.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta to enjoy the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce fully.
