Easy Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce
A quick, elegant dinner option featuring perfectly seared scallops paired with a zesty lemon butter sauce, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops Choose dry scallops for best results.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or high heat oil For searing.
- 2 tablespoons butter For lemon butter sauce.
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced Optional but adds flavor.
- 1 lemon juice Essential for the sauce; zest is optional.
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning.
- to taste parsley or chives Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels on all sides to prevent steaming.
- Season the scallops with salt and pepper right before cooking.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add oil.
Searing Scallops
- Place the scallops in the hot pan with space between each one. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes.
- Flip the scallops and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until they are opaque around the edges and slightly translucent in the center.
Making Lemon Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat a bit, add butter and minced garlic to the pan and swirl it for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and spoon the sauce over the scallops in the pan.
Notes
Serve scallops with sides that can catch the lemon butter sauce, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. Scallops are best served immediately after cooking.
Nutrition
Serving: 2gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 400mg