Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter

Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter

These seared scallops are large sea scallops that are cooked until golden brown and caramelized, then finished off with a garlic butter sauce. A quick and easy dinner option that can be on the table in 20 minutes!

Ingredients

  • sea scallops

    preferably fresh dry packed scallops

    1 ¼ lb
  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • butter
    3 tbsp
  • minced garlic
    1 tsp
  • lemon juice
    2 tsp
  • chopped fresh herbs

    plus more for garnish

    2 tsp
  • lemon wedges

    for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Pat the scallops dry on both sides with a paper towel. Season the scallops on both sides with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until it's just smoking. Add the scallops in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.

  3. 3

    Remove the scallops from the pan. Melt the butter in the pan.

  4. 4

    Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the lemon juice and herbs.

  5. 5

    Return the scallops to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with herbs and lemon wedges, then serve immediately.

Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter

Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter

206 cal

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of succulent, perfectly seared scallops with a rich, aromatic finish, all ready in minutes? This Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter recipe delivers that restaurant-quality experience right to your dining table, making an elegant meal surprisingly accessible.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The secret to these exquisite scallops lies in achieving that beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the interior tender and sweet. Using fresh dry packed sea scallops is crucial here, allowing for superior caramelization without excess moisture. Finishing them with a fragrant garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and a bright splash of lemon juice elevates their natural sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

What to Expect from Your Seared Scallops

Prepare for an impressive dish that tastes far more complex than its quick preparation time suggests. You'll experience the delicate sweetness of perfectly cooked scallops, yielding a tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture on the inside, contrasted by a delightfully crispy, caramelized exterior. The rich, savory garlic butter sauce coats each scallop beautifully, enhanced by the fresh, zesty notes of lemon and fragrant herbs. This dish is surprisingly light at just 206 calories per serving, yet utterly satisfying.

Customization & Variations

While delicious as is, you can easily adapt this scallop recipe. Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs; parsley or chives would be excellent choices, adding a lovely herbaceous note. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the garlic butter. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, brown the butter slightly before adding the garlic.

Serving & Context

These Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter make for an impressive, yet effortless, main course perfect for a special weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering. Garnish generously with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or some steamed asparagus.

Frequently Asked Questions