Description
Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are golden, crispy, and full of bold flavor. This easy 10-minute seafood recipe is coated in a silky lemon garlic butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Better than restaurant scallops and much faster—try it tonight!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/4 pounds scallops
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4–5 large garlic cloves, minced (or 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic)
1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prep the scallops: If using frozen scallops, thaw them in cold water. Remove the small side muscle if attached. Pat them completely dry using paper towels.
- Sear the scallops: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Place scallops in a single layer, without crowding. Season with salt and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes without moving them until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until they turn opaque and are fully cooked.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and reduce: Pour in the white wine or broth. Simmer for about 2 minutes until it reduces by half.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and the lemon juice. Remove from heat.
- Combine: Return scallops to the pan to warm through. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For the best sear, dry scallops thoroughly and heat the pan well.
Fresh lemon juice and high-quality butter elevate the flavor.
Avoid overcrowding the pan so scallops cook evenly.
Serve over rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables and crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Italian, Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 255
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 18g