If you’re searching for an irresistibly simple yet elegant seafood dish, this Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, golden seared scallops bathed in a rich, buttery sauce brightened with fresh lemon juice and a hint of garlic, creating a harmony of flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises a delightful experience every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a few fresh and straightforward ingredients is all it takes to make this dish utterly spectacular. Each component plays a crucial role, from the succulent scallops to the fragrant garlic and bright parsley, resulting in a balance of rich, zesty, and herbal notes that make your taste buds sing.
- 1 lb fresh scallops: Look for dry-packed scallops without preservatives for the best sear and flavor.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Essential for that creamy, luscious sauce that makes the dish so comforting.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds a vibrant, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the butter with a warm, aromatic depth.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh herbal finish and a pop of color on the plate.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors perfectly.
How to Make Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
Start by rinsing your fresh scallops under cold water to remove any grit and then gently pat them dry with paper towels. Dry scallops are key for achieving that coveted golden crust when searing.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter until it begins to bubble. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This step releases the garlicky aroma that will permeate the sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Sear the Scallops
Place the scallops in the skillet, making sure to space them out so they don’t steam. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This short, hot cooking ensures the inside stays tender while the outside gets that perfect caramelization.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Seasonings
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the scallops and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently stir everything together in the pan, allowing the lemon’s tartness to mingle with the buttery garlic and scallops.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Parsley
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chopped parsley. This finishing touch adds richness and a fresh burst of color, enveloping each scallop in a silky sauce.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
For the best flavor and texture, serve your scallops straight from the pan while they’re still warm and perfectly tender. Don’t forget to add some lemon wedges for those who want a little extra citrus kick!
How to Serve Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like additional parsley or a sprinkle of chives can elevate the presentation and flavor by lending a fresh, green brightness. Lemon wedges are a classic garnish that invite your guests to customize the citrus level to their liking.
Side Dishes
Lemon Butter Scallops shine alongside light, complementary sides. Think creamy risotto, buttery garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple bed of steamed asparagus or green beans. A crisp, citrusy salad also pairs well, balancing the richness of the scallops perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the scallops atop a swirl of cauliflower purée or nestled on a bed of wilted spinach. You can also serve them skewered for a fun appetizer or plated elegantly with microgreens for a restaurant-style feel right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooled scallops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that scallops taste best fresh, so try to enjoy them quickly.
Freezing
Freezing cooked scallops is generally not recommended as their delicate texture can change and become rubbery after thawing. If you must freeze, place them in a sealed container or vacuum bag and consume within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat scallops gently in a warm skillet over low heat for just a couple of minutes to avoid overcooking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can cause the scallops to become tough and unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe?
You can use frozen scallops if fresh are unavailable, but be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to achieve the best sear and texture.
What kind of pan is best for cooking scallops?
A heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron or stainless steel, is ideal since it retains heat well and helps create that perfect golden crust on the scallops.
How do I know when scallops are cooked perfectly?
Properly cooked scallops will be opaque in the center, slightly firm to the touch, and have a golden crust. Avoid overcooking as that leads to a rubbery texture.
Can I adjust the lemon butter sauce to make it dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based butter, but keep the rest of the ingredients the same for that lemony punch.
Is it okay to prepare the sauce ahead of time?
While you can prepare the garlic lemon butter mixture in advance, it’s best to assemble the sauce with fresh butter and parsley just before serving to keep the flavors vibrant and the sauce silky.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe is a delightful way to bring restaurant-quality seafood into your own kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. I hope you enjoy crafting this dish as much as I do sharing it, and trust me, once you try these tender, buttery, lemon-kissed scallops, they’ll quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
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Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lemon Butter Scallops is a quick and elegant seafood dish featuring fresh scallops seared to golden perfection in rich butter, enhanced with aromatic garlic, fresh lemon juice, and parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe delivers a deliciously buttery and tangy flavor perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb fresh scallops
Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Scallops: Rinse the fresh scallops under cold water to remove any grit or impurities, then pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure a perfect sear.
- Melt Butter: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it starts to bubble gently, releasing a rich buttery aroma.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sear Scallops: Place the scallops evenly spaced in the skillet and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust.
- Add Lemon and Seasoning: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the scallops, season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently stir to combine and coat the scallops with the tangy flavors.
- Finish with Butter and Parsley: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chopped fresh parsley until the butter melts and creates a luscious sauce.
- Serve: Immediately serve the scallops hot, optionally garnished with lemon wedges for extra zest.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are patted dry before cooking to achieve a good sear and caramelization.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook scallops in batches if necessary for best results.
- Use fresh lemon juice for optimal bright flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference, but be mindful of the salt content in butter.
- Serve immediately as scallops can become rubbery if kept warm too long.
