Lemon Garlic Sea Scallops (Printable)

Seared sea scallops dressed with zesty lemon, garlic, and buttery sauce for a simple elegant dish.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large sea scallops, patted completely dry

→ Aromatics & Herbs

02 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 - 1 tsp grated lemon zest

→ Sauces & Fats

05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
07 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

→ Seasonings

08 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
02 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. The oil should ripple slightly when ready.
03 - Add scallops in a single layer without crowding the pan. Sear undisturbed for 2 minutes until a deep golden crust forms, then flip and sear for 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
05 - Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1 minute to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Return scallops to the pan, spooning the sauce over each scallop. Cook for 1 minute just to heat through. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • These scallops come together in under 20 minutes but taste like something from a fancy bistro
  • The lemon garlic butter sauce is bright enough for summer but rich enough for cozy nights
02 -
  • Wet scallops will steam instead of sear, so take extra time patting them dry
  • Do not touch them while they sear or you will break that precious crust formation
03 -
  • Let your scallops come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even results
  • A splash of white wine in the sauce adds depth if you want to get fancy

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