Zesty Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe: A Dreamy Seafood Delight

Culinary magic happens when delicate lemon butter scallops meet a skillet’s golden embrace.

Seafood lovers understand the allure of perfectly seared shellfish.

Coastal memories flood back with each tender bite.

Salt and citrus dance across your palate in this elegant dish.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating restaurant-quality meals at home.

Delicate scallops require careful attention to achieve that coveted caramelized exterior.

Prepare to impress with this simple yet sophisticated recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Lemon Butter Scallops That Are Bright and Rich

• Elevate your dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Searing scallops takes just minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Master a professional cooking technique that impresses guests without requiring advanced culinary skills. Professional chefs love this simple yet elegant preparation.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single skillet recipe that creates a delicious sauce and cooks protein in the same pan. Less washing means more time enjoying your delectable meal.
• Combine fresh lemon, butter, and herbs to create a bright, rich sauce that perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of scallops. Each bite delivers a burst of sophisticated yet approachable taste.

Ingredients for Cooking Lemon Butter Scallops

• Scallops: Delicate seafood with a sweet, tender flavor, best when fresh and dry-packed for optimal searing.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavor of scallops, freshly ground recommended for best taste.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a golden-brown crust on scallops, butter adds creamy texture to sauce.

• Garlic: Adds depth and pungent flavor to the lemon butter sauce, fresh is always more flavorful.

• Lemon Juice: Brings sharp, citrusy brightness to balance the rich butter and complement the scallops' sweetness.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh herbal notes and vibrant green color to the final dish, enhances visual appeal.

How to Sear Lemon Butter Scallops at Home

Step 1: Prep Seafood Stars

• Pat scallops completely dry using paper towels
• Sprinkle sea salt and cracked pepper across both sides
• Let scallops sit at room temperature for few minutes before cooking

Step 2: Create Golden Perfection

• Warm olive oil in heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat
• Carefully place scallops into pan without crowding
• Cook sea scallops until caramelized and golden brown
• Sear approximately 2-3 minutes per side
• Scallops should appear opaque and slightly translucent in center
• Transfer cooked scallops to clean plate

Step 3: Craft Luxurious Sauce

• Unsalted butter
• Fresh garlic
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk butter in same skillet over medium heat

Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant

Pour lemon juice and stir continuously

Season with salt and pepper

Step 4: Final Flavor Fusion

• Return seared scallops back into sauce
• Gently coat seafood with lemon butter
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley
• Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges

Tips for Cooking Scallops Without Overdoing It

• Dry Scallops for Perfect Sear: Always pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a beautiful golden-brown crust when cooking.
• Control Heat Carefully: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve an even, crispy exterior without steaming the delicate scallops.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Select high-quality, fresh sea scallops and use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor in the sauce.
• Quick Cooking is Key: Sear scallops for only 2-3 minutes per side to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery instead of tender and succulent.
• Balance Butter and Acid: The lemon juice cuts through the richness of butter, creating a perfectly balanced sauce that enhances the scallops' natural sweetness.

Store and Reheat Lemon Butter Scallops the Right Way

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain best quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm scallops carefully in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve delicate texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
• Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F when reheating to guarantee food safety. Use a meat thermometer for accurate reading.
• Enjoy reheated scallops immediately after warming to experience the best flavor and texture. Discard if stored longer than recommended time frame.

Side Dishes That Match Lemon Butter Scallops

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity that complements the delicate scallop flavor and cuts through the rich butter sauce.
• Prepare a light lemon-herb risotto or cilantro-infused rice pilaf that echoes the citrus notes and provides a smooth textural contrast to the tender scallops.
• Roast asparagus spears or sauté green beans with garlic and almonds to add a green, crunchy element that balances the soft seafood and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Serve warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette slices to soak up the luxurious lemon butter sauce, adding a satisfying carbohydrate component to the plate.

Ways to Switch Up Lemon Butter Scallops

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil for a lactose-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of butter to maintain a rich, savory flavor.
• Herb-Infused Scallops: Swap parsley with fresh dill or tarragon for a different aromatic profile. Add thyme or rosemary to the butter sauce for an enhanced herbal touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce if adding any additional seasoning. Verify that your cooking oils are pure and uncontaminated.
• Spicy Seafood Variation: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne into the butter sauce. Add finely chopped jalapeños for an extra kick of heat. Sprinkle chili powder over the scallops before searing for a spicier experience.

Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent lemon butter scallops elevate simple seafood into a gourmet experience that sings with Mediterranean flavors. Delicate scallops bathed in garlic-infused butter and zesty lemon promise restaurant-quality dining right at home.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) sea scallops, side muscle removed

Cooking Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry the scallops using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, then generously season both surfaces with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until it’s visibly hot and shimmering.
3. Carefully place scallops into the skillet in a single, uncrowded layer, allowing each piece ample space for proper caramelization.
4. Sear the scallops for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a rich golden-brown exterior and translucent center.
5. Gently transfer the perfectly seared scallops to a separate plate, keeping them warm.
6. Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter, creating a smooth, silky base for the sauce.
7. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release its aromatic qualities.
8. Pour fresh lemon juice into the skillet, allowing the liquid to simmer and integrate with the butter and garlic.
9. Taste and adjust the sauce with additional salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
10. Delicately return the seared scallops to the skillet, gently coating them in the vibrant lemon butter sauce.
11. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the scallops for a burst of color and herbaceous note.
12. Plate immediately, garnishing with extra parsley and optional lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat scallops thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess liquid, ensuring a perfect golden-brown sear without steaming.
• Precision in Cooking: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, delicate interior.
• Temperature Control: Cook scallops for exactly 2-3 minutes per side to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Dietary Adaptations: For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil, maintaining the dish’s rich flavor profile while accommodating different dietary needs.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg