Description
Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter is a quick and elegant seafood dish featuring perfectly seared sea scallops served in a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce with garlic, capers, and fresh parsley. Ideal for a sophisticated dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers a succulent balance of flavors and textures that impress every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb sea scallops (thawed)
Cooking Fats and Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
Flavorings and Herbs
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- 1 ½ tbsp parsley (minced)
- 2 tbsp capers
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly using a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt to enhance flavor.
- Heat the pan: Place a pan on medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot and just starting to smoke, which is essential for achieving the perfect sear.
- Sear the scallops: Arrange the scallops in the hot pan without overcrowding. Cook each side for 60-90 seconds until a golden crust forms. Work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the scallops. Transfer cooked scallops to a plate and keep warm.
- Make the lemon butter sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and capers to the same pan. Stir continuously, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom for 1-2 minutes to build flavor. Then stir in minced parsley and remove from heat.
- Serve: Drizzle the lemon butter sauce generously over the scallops. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, paired with crusty toasted bread, buttered noodles, or a glass of white wine.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing scallops to ensure a crisp crust and perfect sear.
- Patting scallops dry is critical to achieving the right texture.
- If scallops are very thick, you may need to cook them slightly longer but avoid overcooking as they become rubbery.
- The lemon butter sauce can be prepared while scallops cook or immediately after.
- Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy scallops at their freshest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 3-4 scallops)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: pan seared scallops, lemon butter scallops, quick seafood recipe, scallops with garlic and capers, easy dinner
