A quick and elegant seafood recipe featuring perfectly seared scallops bathed in a bright and savory garlic‑lemon butter sauce. Ideal for a gourmet weeknight dinner or an impressive starter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Restaurant-quality at home: Achieve a golden crust and silky sauce in just minutes theguardian.com+14onceuponachef.com+14thatovenfeelin.com+14.
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Minimal ingredients: Requires just scallops, butter, lemon, garlic, and pantry staples.
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Fast prep and cook: Ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy evenings .
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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3 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice and zest of 1 lemon
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
directions
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Prep the scallops
Remove any side muscle, then pat dry thoroughly—this ensures a golden sear allrecipes.com+14damndelicious.net+14thatovenfeelin.com+14allrecipes.com+13lenaskitchenblog.com+13theviewfromgreatisland.com+13. -
Sear scallops
Heat oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high. Place scallops in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Sear 1½–2 minutes per side until golden and opaque inside . Transfer to a plate. -
Make sauce
Reduce heat to low. Melt remaining 2 Tbsp butter, then add garlic and cook until fragrant (~1 minute) damndelicious.net+14smalltownwoman.com+14theviewfromgreatisland.com+14. Stir in lemon juice (and zest, if used), scraping up browned bits. Season to taste. -
Finish and serve
Return scallops to the pan and spoon sauce over them for about 1–2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with parsley and a twist of lemon zest if desired.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 5–10 minutes
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Cook time: ~10 minutes
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Total time: ~15–20 minutes reddit.com+7onceuponachef.com+7allrecipes.com+7
Variations
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Add capers for a briny punch in the sauce lenaskitchenblog.com+1foodandwine.com+1.
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Use lime instead of lemon for a tropical twist thatovenfeelin.com.
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Include white wine or broth in the sauce, as some recipes suggest for added depth allrecipes.com+12reddit.com+12lenaskitchenblog.com+12.
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Spice it up: sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce during sauté.
storage/reheating
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, place scallops and sauce in a skillet over low heat until just warmed—this keeps them tender and avoids rubberiness foodandwine.com+7damndelicious.net+7lenaskitchenblog.com+7.
FAQs
What kind of scallops should I use?
Choose “dry-packed” sea scallops if available—these sear better and develop a beautiful crust allrecipes.com+12damndelicious.net+12onceuponachef.com+12.
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes—thaw fully in the refrigerator or under cold water, then pat completely dry before cooking smalltownwoman.com.
Why is patting scallops dry important?
Dry scallops sear better. Moisture leads to steaming rather than browning, and hampers crust formation.
How do I know when scallops are done?
They’re opaque through and have a firm, slightly springy texture. Typically 60–90 seconds per side .
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep scallops and sauce separately, but best to combine and serve fresh, as reheated scallops may turn rubbery.
What else can I serve with this dish?
Ideal with buttered pasta, risotto, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Can I skip the garlic?
You may omit or reduce garlic for a milder flavor, though it enhances the sauce’s aroma.
Are bay scallops a good substitute?
Yes—bay scallops cook faster (60 seconds per side) and offer a sweeter, more delicate bite.
How do I avoid overcooking scallops?
Cook only on high heat, briefly, without moving them until a crust forms. Remove as soon as they’re opaque with a slight give lenaskitchenblog.com.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Not recommended—scallops’ texture deteriorates significantly when refrozen.
Conclusion
Lemon Butter Scallops deliver a restaurant-worthy experience at home. With a perfect sear, tangy garlic-lemon butter sauce, and vibrant parsley garnish, this dish is a quick yet luxurious choice that impresses without extra effort.
[tasty-recipe id=”19521″]