A simple and delicious recipe for pan-seared scallops served with a zesty lemon butter sauce.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:Serves 4
Category:Seafood
Method:Pan-searing
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides.
Carefully place the scallops in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 2-3 minutes without moving them until a golden crust forms.
Flip the scallops and add the butter, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, basting the scallops with the melted butter.
Remove the scallops from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle with the lemon butter sauce from the pan and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
Serve the scallops over a bed of creamy risotto or alongside sautéed asparagus for a complete meal.