Lemon Butter Scallops

Lemon Butter Scallops are the epitome of elegance and simplicity combined in one dish. This recipe features tender, perfectly seared sea scallops, bathed in a luxurious lemon butter sauce that brings a bright, zesty flavor to the tender seafood. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for two or serving a larger crowd, these scallops are guaranteed to impress with their rich, buttery taste and refreshing citrus notes. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the delicate flavor of the scallops to shine, making this dish both easy to prepare and full of flavor. The luscious lemon butter sauce, with its hints of garlic and fresh parsley, complements the scallops perfectly, turning this dish into a true seafood delicacy. Serve it with a light salad, over pasta, or as an appetizer to kick off a gourmet meal. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right in your own home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

Lemon Butter Scallops come together in just 15 minutes, making them a perfect option for busy nights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

2. Perfectly Seared Scallops

The scallops are perfectly seared on the outside, giving them a delicious golden crust while keeping the inside tender and sweet. The searing process locks in all the natural flavors.

3. Flavorful Lemon Butter Sauce

The combination of butter, garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice creates a rich, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the sweetness of the scallops. The added fresh parsley provides a burst of freshness.

4. Light and Elegant

This dish is light enough to serve as a starter or appetizer, yet elegant enough to be the star of the main course. It’s a great choice for those looking for a healthy yet indulgent seafood meal.

5. Versatile Serving Options

Lemon Butter Scallops can be paired with a variety of sides, from pasta to roasted vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan.

Ingredients

For the Scallops:

• Unsalted butter
• Sea scallops
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley (chopped)

Variations

1. Add White Wine

For a deeper flavor in the sauce, add a splash of dry white wine after the garlic is sautéed and cook until the alcohol evaporates before adding the lemon juice and butter.

2. Spice it Up

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a slight heat that balances the richness of the butter and the acidity of the lemon.

3. Serve Over Pasta

For a more substantial meal, serve the lemon butter scallops over a bed of pasta. Linguine or angel hair pasta pairs especially well with the buttery sauce.

4. Use Fresh Herbs

In addition to parsley, consider adding other fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or tarragon for added flavor complexity in the sauce.

5. Add a Creamy Twist

For a richer sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream to the butter and lemon mixture, creating a creamy lemon butter sauce that enhances the scallops.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season the scallops with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Scallops

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the scallops to the pan. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burned. Be sure to scrape up any bits left from the scallops to add more flavor to the sauce.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Season

Add 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pan and stir to combine. Season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Return the Scallops to the Pan

Once the sauce is ready, return the seared scallops to the pan and spoon some of the sauce over them. Let them cook for an additional minute to warm through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, and sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the scallops immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Dry the Scallops Well

It’s essential to pat the scallops dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Moisture on the surface of the scallops will cause them to steam rather than sear, which will prevent them from getting a nice golden crust.

2. Don’t Overcook the Scallops

Scallops cook very quickly, and overcooking them will make them tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the pan as soon as they are opaque in the center.

3. Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for a bright and zesty flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the fresh taste and can alter the overall flavor of the dish.

4. Adjust Seasoning to Taste

If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, feel free to add an extra clove of garlic. Similarly, adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste.

5. Serve Immediately

Lemon Butter Scallops are best served immediately after cooking, while they are still warm and tender.

How to Serve

Lemon Butter Scallops can be served as a standalone dish, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside a light salad or steamed vegetables. For a more indulgent option, you can also serve them with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While scallops are best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Keep the sauce separate from the scallops to prevent them from becoming too soggy.

Freezing

Freezing scallops is not recommended, as they can lose their texture and flavor once thawed. For the best results, make and enjoy this dish fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the scallops and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them during the reheating process.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

The lemon butter sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before serving.

3. How can I tell if scallops are done cooking?

Scallops are done when they turn opaque and firm up. If you press them gently, they should spring back.

4. Can I use other seafood instead of scallops?

Yes, shrimp or lobster tails would work well as a substitute for scallops in this recipe.

5. How do I prevent my scallops from becoming rubbery?

To prevent overcooking, make sure to cook the scallops quickly on high heat and don’t leave them in the pan too long.

6. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used.

7. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bit of heat.

8. What can I serve with lemon butter scallops?

Lemon butter scallops pair well with pasta, rice, steamed vegetables, or a light salad.

9. How long should I cook the scallops?

Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size. They cook quickly, so be sure not to overdo it.

10. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Unsalted butter is recommended for the best flavor, but you can substitute margarine if you need a dairy-free option.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Scallops are a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. With tender, seared scallops in a rich, buttery lemon sauce, this recipe is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a quick, impressive dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy. With its easy preparation and fresh, zesty flavors, Lemon Butter Scallops are a delightful way to elevate any meal. Try it today, and you’ll be amazed by how such simple ingredients can come together to create a truly exquisite dish.

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