Pan Seared Scallops Recipe

Pan Seared Scallops Recipe

4 servings
This pan seared scallops recipe is phenomenal! Crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. These are by far my favorite way to cook scallops and are cooked in a delicious lemon butter sage sauce!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb scallops
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp garlic

    minced

  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage

    chopped

  • salt
  • black pepper
  • 3 tbsp fresh Italian parsley

    chopped

Directions

  1. 1

    Rinse the scallops with cold water and thoroughly pat dry with a paper towel. Season the scallops with salt and pepper on either side. In a large skillet on medium to medium-high heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Transfer the scallops to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on either side, about 1-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, set aside.

  2. 2

    Now, make the lemon butter sage sauce. Melt the butter on medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. When the garlic is fragrant, add in the lemon juice, salt and pepper, and sage. Place the scallops back in the skillet with the butter sauce. Garnish with the parsley and serve immediately.

Pan Seared Scallops Recipe

Pan Seared Scallops Recipe

20 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of perfectly seared scallops with a golden crust and tender interior? This recipe brings restaurant-quality Pan Seared Scallops to your home kitchen, effortlessly, transforming a simple ingredient into an extraordinary meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this dish lies in achieving that irresistible crispy exterior on the scallops while keeping the inside beautifully soft and succulent. What truly sets these apart is the vibrant lemon butter sage sauce. This rich, aromatic sauce perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the scallops, elevating every single bite.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly phenomenal culinary experience where the natural sweetness of the scallops shines through, enhanced by a bright, herbaceous, and savory sauce. Each scallop boasts a satisfyingly golden crust that gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The fragrant blend of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and earthy sage, combined with rich butter, creates a sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile. Finishing with fresh Italian parsley adds a final burst of color and herbaceous zest, making this dish feel both gourmet and incredibly approachable.

Customization & Variations

While the fresh sage is essential for the distinct flavor of the butter sauce, you could experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon for a different aromatic profile if you wish. If fresh Italian parsley isn't available, a sprinkle of fresh chives or even a tiny amount of dried parsley could work in a pinch, though fresh is always recommended for the brightest flavor.

Serving & Context

These elegant Pan Seared Scallops make a stunning appetizer or a light, impressive main course, perfect for a special dinner or a quick weeknight indulgence. Serve them immediately to savor their perfect texture, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious lemon butter sage sauce.

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