Lemon Butter Scallops
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
Lemon Butter Scallops
Description
Lemon Butter Scallops highlight sea scallops cooked with minimal seasoning to showcase their delicate flavor. After removing the side muscle and thoroughly drying, the scallops are seasoned with salt and pepper and seared in butter over medium-high heat until golden brown on each side and still translucent inside. A quick lemon butter sauce is prepared in the same skillet by melting butter and briefly cooking minced garlic for fragrance, then adding freshly squeezed lemon juice and seasoning to taste. Parsley is sprinkled as a garnish before serving. The method retains the scallops' tender texture while imparting a bright, buttery citrus flavor.
This dish works well as a light seafood main course and can be served over rice, pasta, or alongside steamed vegetables. The lemon butter sauce provides a gentle acidity that balances the rich butter and tender scallops. Because scallops cook quickly, this recipe is practical for home cooks seeking a refined yet approachable seafood plate.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 1 pound sea scallops
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
For the lemon butter sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped fresh leaves
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
- Remove the small side muscle from the scallops, rinse with cold water and thoroughly pat dry.
- Season scallops with salt and pepper, to taste. Working in batches, add scallops to the skillet in a single layer and cook, flipping once, until golden brown and translucent in the center, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.
- Serve scallops immediately with lemon butter sauce, garnished with parsley, if desired.
for the lemon butter sauce
- Melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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