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Perfect Pan Seared Scallops Recipe with Easy Lemon Butter Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for perfectly pan seared scallops with a tangy, buttery lemon sauce that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large dry-packed sea scallops
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat scallops dry with paper towels to remove all moisture and remove the small side muscle if attached. Let scallops sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Lightly season both sides of the scallops with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  3. Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Heat until butter foams and pan is hot but not smoking (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Add scallops to the pan spaced apart. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the underside is golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip gently.
  5. Cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until scallops are just opaque but still tender. Avoid overcooking.
  6. Transfer scallops to a warm plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  7. Lower heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Let sauce bubble gently for 1 minute, scraping browned bits from the pan.
  9. Pour lemon butter sauce over scallops, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use dry-packed scallops for best sear. Pat scallops very dry and let them come to room temperature before cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan. Use unsalted butter for a clean flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter and olive oil. Optional splash of white wine can be added to the sauce. Avoid microwaving scallops when reheating to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan seared scallops, lemon butter sauce, seafood recipe, quick dinner, easy scallops, restaurant quality scallops

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/perfect-pan-seared-scallops-recipe-with-easy-lemon-butter-sauce/