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Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter recipe

Beginner-Friendly Seared Scallops Recipe


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  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Sea scallops enveloped in a silky lemon garlic butter sauce, kissed with the zest of fresh lemon and garnished with vibrant parsley. A gourmet dish that boasts a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of citrus, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 ½ pounds sea scallops
  • kosher salt (to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced (about 1 tablespoon zest and 3 tablespoons juice))
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Begin by drying the scallops thoroughly with a paper towel and seasoning them with kosher salt.
  2. In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm the oil until it shimmers, then add the scallops. Sear for about 1 ½ to 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. Transfer the scallops to a plate and repeat with the remaining scallops.
  3. Lower the heat to medium, then incorporate the butter, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, and parsley into the pan. Whisk the mixture until it simmers lightly, then return the scallops to the pan and spoon the sauce over them.
  4. To serve, arrange the scallops on a plate and drizzle additional sauce on top before presenting.

Notes

TECHNIQUE TIP: Thoroughly dry scallops before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and avoid steaming.

STORAGE: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

SUBSTITUTION: Substitute avocado oil with olive oil if desired for a slightly different flavor profile.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 267 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 736 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 63 mg