Golden, succulent scallops take center stage when you’re craving something elegant but effortlessly simple. These Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops pack a punch of bright, zesty lemon balanced by a rich, velvety garlic-infused butter—creating a perfect harmony between tangy freshness and indulgent creaminess. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or aiming to impress at a weekend gathering, this recipe steals the show with minimal fuss. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, including succulent large scallops, golden olive oil, and vibrant fresh parsley, you’ll transform ordinary seafood into a gourmet experience in under half an hour. Designed for beginner cooks, the searing technique is straightforward, and the end result feels like something you’d find in a five-star restaurant without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.
Beyond that first glorious bite, you’ll love how this dish bursts with aromas that fill your home with warmth and excitement. Preparation time clocks in at a breezy 15 minutes, with just 10 minutes of hands-on cooking—meaning dinner is on the table in roughly 25 minutes total. At around 400 calories per serving, it’s both satisfying and light enough to leave room for a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing salad on the side. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer to kick off a multi-course meal or as a stunning main dish, these scallops are bound to become your go-to when you want something that looks and tastes like a special occasion, every single time.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SEARED LEMON GARLIC BUTTER SCALLOPS
Before you heat up the skillet, let’s break down the star players of this recipe. Each ingredient has its own role in building layers of flavor and texture that make these scallops shine. From the heart-healthy olive oil that ensures a perfect sear to the bright lemon juice that cuts through the butter’s richness, here’s why every item on your list matters.
- Scallops
Tender and slightly sweet, large scallops are the centerpiece of this dish. When properly patted dry and cooked over high heat, they develop a gorgeous golden crust while staying juicy on the inside.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Simple seasonings that bring out the natural sweetness of the scallops. Salt enhances flavor, while freshly cracked pepper adds a subtle, warming bite.
- Olive oil
High smoke point and fruity undertones make olive oil perfect for searing. It helps achieve that coveted crispy edge without burning the scallops.
- Unsalted butter
Adds a luscious, creamy body to the sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely, ensuring the final dish is perfectly balanced.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the butter with aromatic, savory notes. A quick sauté brings out its mellow sweetness without overpowering the scallops.
- Lemon juice
Bright, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter and highlights the seafood’s delicate flavor. Adds a refreshing finish with every bite.
- Fresh parsley
A pop of vibrant green color and a mild, herbaceous note. Parsley also helps lift the heavy richness of butter and garlic.
- Lemon wedges
Served alongside for an extra spritz of citrus. Perfect for anyone who loves a little extra zing on their plate.
HOW TO MAKE SEARED LEMON GARLIC BUTTER SCALLOPS
Now that you have your ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the cooking process. This method focuses on achieving a perfect sear on your scallops, building a simple yet flavorful garlic butter sauce, and ensuring the two components marry beautifully for an irresistible dish.
1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensuring the scallops are completely dry is crucial for getting that golden crust and preventing any unwanted steaming.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the scallops in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Allow them to sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes on each side until a rich, golden-brown crust forms. Use a thin spatula to gently release each scallop and then remove them from the skillet, placing them on a plate and setting aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. As it melts, swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly. Add the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and let the sauce simmer for another minute, allowing the bright acidity to meld with the garlic butter. This quick simmer helps the flavors to fully integrate without cooking off all the fresh lemon character.
5. Return the seared scallops to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce for 1–2 minutes, ensuring each scallop is well-coated. The residual heat will warm them through without overcooking, preserving their tender interior.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle the scallops with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, so everyone can customize their citrus kick.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SEARED LEMON GARLIC BUTTER SCALLOPS
Bringing your scallops to the table is just the beginning of the enjoyment. With a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate this dish from delightful to unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying an intimate meal for two, consider these ideas to make your presentation inviting and your plate well-rounded.
- Serve over a bed of al dente pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine. Toss the pasta in reserved garlic butter sauce and top with scallops for a satisfying seafood pasta dinner that soaks up every drop of flavor.
- Offer alongside crusty artisan bread. Set out warm slices of sourdough or ciabatta so guests can mop up the luscious garlic butter sauce, turning each bite into a comforting, communal experience.
- Pair with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The bright acidity and fruity notes will complement the lemony sauce, enhancing the seafood’s natural sweetness.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. This not only adds vibrant color but also layers additional brightness and herbaceous aroma right before serving.
HOW TO STORE SEARED LEMON GARLIC BUTTER SCALLOPS
Having leftovers of these buttery, lemony scallops is a wonderful problem to have—but proper storage is key to preserving their flavor and texture. Follow these tips to keep your scallops tasting fresh and restaurant-quality whenever you decide to revisit them.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Let the scallops cool slightly at room temperature before sealing them up to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- Store the garlic butter sauce separately if possible. Pour it into a small seal-able jar or container so you can reheat the scallops without overcooking them in a scorching sauce.
- Consume within 48 hours for the best taste and texture. Scallops are best enjoyed fresh, so plan to finish any leftovers within a couple of days to avoid any decline in quality.
- Reheat gently over low heat. Warm the sauce first, then add the scallops just long enough to get them hot—about 1–2 minutes—so they don’t become rubbery or tough.
CONCLUSION
What began as just a handful of simple ingredients—plump scallops, garlic, butter, and lemon—has transformed into a dish that tastes and looks like a celebration. From mastering the sear to whisking up a silky, citrus-kissed butter sauce, you’ve created something special in the kitchen. You can print this article and save it for later, knowing that next time you’re in the mood for a gourmet-style meal in under 30 minutes, these Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are a fail-safe option. Don’t forget: you can find a handy FAQ below to answer any burning questions, whether it’s about how to get that perfect crust or how to adjust the flavor balance to your liking.
I’d love to hear how your scallops turned out! If you tried the recipe, have any questions, or need tips on adapting it for a festive gathering, drop a comment below. Sharing feedback not only helps fellow home cooks but also inspires new ways to enjoy this bright, buttery seafood favorite. Happy cooking, and may every bite be as vibrant and satisfying as the first!
Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
Description
These tender scallops are pan-seared to golden perfection and tossed in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce that bursts with flavor. A perfect seafood treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the scallops in a single layer, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until a golden crust forms. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the lemon juice and let the sauce simmer for another minute to blend the flavors.
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Return the seared scallops to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes until well-coated.
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Remove from heat and sprinkle the scallops with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Note
- Scallops need to be dry to achieve a perfect sear; patting them well with paper towels is crucial.
- Allow space between scallops when searing to prevent steaming.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice according to personal taste preferences.
- Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for a complete meal.
- Fresh parsley can be replaced with dill or chives for a different flavor profile.
