Seared Scallops with Garlic Lemon Butter
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Seared Scallops with Garlic Lemon Butter—an elegant dish perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home. These tender scallops are seared to perfection, creating a golden crust that locks in their natural sweetness. The rich, buttery sauce infused with fragrant garlic and zesty lemon elevates each bite, making this seafood delight both simple and sophisticated. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll find yourself savoring the taste of the ocean from your very own kitchen. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 lb sea scallops (side muscle removed)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1–2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (or other herbs)
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pat each scallop dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt.
- Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the scallops to the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Sear for about 1½ to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove scallops from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, lower the heat to medium-low, add remaining butter, and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in lemon juice and return scallops to the pan, gently tossing to coat them in the sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5 oz (140g) cooked scallops with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 78mg