Discover the bright flavors of spring with this quick and delicious Lemon Butter Scallops recipe. Perfectly seared scallops glazed in a rich lemon butter sauce create a dish that’s both elegant and effortless, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
- Lemon Butter Scallops
- Ingredients
- How to Make
- Tips
- Make-Ahead
- Storing
- Freezing
- Reheating
- Serving Suggestions
Lemon Butter Scallops
- Unique combination of fresh lemon and rich butter flavors.
- Ready in under 15 minutes, ideal for a quick dinner.
- Low-carb and gluten-free, appealing to various dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of sea scallops, patted dry
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make
To start, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Once hot, place the scallops in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Stir until melted and fragrant. Return the scallops to the pan, toss to coat in the lemon butter sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- Ensure scallops are completely dry before cooking to get a nice sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Experiment with herbs like thyme or basil for added flavor.
Make-Ahead
While scallops are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time. Just reheat it on low before adding the cooked scallops.
Storing
Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze cooked scallops as they may become rubbery upon thawing. It’s better to make this dish fresh.
Reheating
Reheat scallops gently in a skillet with a bit of water or lemon juice to keep them moist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Lemon Butter Scallops over a bed of fresh greens, alongside asparagus, or with a side of risotto for an elegant meal. A crisp white wine pairs beautifully with this dish.
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Lemon Butter Scallops
Discover the bright flavors of spring with this quick and delicious Lemon Butter Scallops recipe. Perfectly seared scallops glazed in a rich lemon butter sauce create a dish that’s both elegant and effortless, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
| 1 pound of sea scallops, patted dry | |
| 3 tablespoons unsalted butter | |
| 2 tablespoons olive oil | |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | |
| Juice of 1 lemon | |
| Zest of 1 lemon | |
| Salt and pepper, to taste | |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) |
Preparation
Notes
- Ensure scallops are completely dry before cooking to get a nice sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Experiment with herbs like thyme or basil for added flavor.
