Lemon Butter Scallops

Scallops are a luxurious, delicate seafood dish that feels both indulgent and refreshing. This lemon butter scallops recipe combines the rich flavor of sea scallops with a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, with just a few ingredients coming together to create a satisfying and memorable meal.

The key to perfect scallops is a precise cooking technique to achieve that golden, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. When paired with a tangy lemon butter sauce, this dish becomes a delightful explosion of flavors that dance on your palate. The addition of garlic and fresh parsley in the sauce elevates the taste even further, adding depth and freshness. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with a side of steamed vegetables, these lemon butter scallops are sure to impress anyone you serve them to. This recipe can be prepared in just under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick dinner without sacrificing taste or quality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The rich butter sauce, zesty lemon, and savory garlic blend beautifully to create a flavorful dish that’s not too heavy, with a refreshing kick from the lemon.

3. Versatile Dish

Lemon butter scallops can be paired with various sides like pasta, rice, or vegetables. This makes it a versatile option to suit your preferences or what you have available at home.

4. Elegant yet Simple

While scallops are often considered a luxury dish, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to make. It provides an elegant meal without requiring advanced cooking skills or a long prep time.

5. Healthy and Light

Scallops are a lean protein option, and when paired with a flavorful yet light lemon butter sauce, this dish makes for a nutritious meal without being overly heavy.

Ingredients

For the Scallops:

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

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley leaves

Variations

Spicy Lemon Butter Scallops

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce. It will give the dish a delightful kick that complements the scallops perfectly.

Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Scallops

For an herbal twist, experiment with adding a bit of thyme, rosemary, or basil to the butter sauce. These herbs will give your scallops an aromatic and fresh flavor.

Lemon Butter Scallops with Parmesan

For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the scallops just before serving. The creamy, nutty flavor of Parmesan pairs wonderfully with the lemon butter sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Pat the sea scallops dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Cook the Scallops

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

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked scallops to the pan and toss them in the lemon butter sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For perfect seared scallops, make sure to cook them in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will cause the scallops to steam instead of sear.
• Pat the Scallops Dry: Make sure to dry your scallops thoroughly before cooking to get that perfect sear.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and garlic will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce. Fresh parsley also adds a nice pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve

Lemon butter scallops are perfect when served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with:

• A light pasta like angel hair or spaghetti
• Steamed asparagus or green beans
• Roasted vegetables
• A fresh side salad with a citrus vinaigrette
• Creamy mashed potatoes

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover scallops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent overcooking the scallops.

Freezing

Scallops are best eaten fresh and do not freeze well after being cooked. However, if you have extra raw scallops, they can be frozen for up to 3 months before cooking.

Reheating

To reheat, place the scallops in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter or lemon juice. Be careful not to overheat, as scallops can become rubbery if overcooked.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.

2. Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

3. How do I know when the scallops are cooked?

Scallops should be opaque in the center and have a slightly golden crust on both sides when fully cooked.

4. What’s the best way to sear scallops?

Ensure the pan is hot before adding the scallops and don’t overcrowd them to get a perfect sear.

5. Can I make this dish without butter?

You can substitute olive oil for the butter, though it won’t provide the same richness.

6. What sides go well with lemon butter scallops?

Consider serving them with pasta, rice, or a light vegetable dish like asparagus or broccoli.

7. Can I add other seafood to this dish?

Yes, you can add shrimp or lobster to the lemon butter sauce for a seafood medley.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as there are no gluten-containing ingredients used.

9. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice will give the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

10. How long does it take to cook scallops?

Scallops usually take 4-6 minutes to cook, depending on their size and the heat of your pan.

Conclusion

Lemon butter scallops are a quick, elegant dish that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers both in taste and presentation. With a handful of ingredients and just a few simple steps, you can enjoy the taste of the sea in the comfort of your home. The lemon butter sauce adds the perfect balance of richness and brightness, making each bite an absolute delight. Enjoy this delightful seafood dish on its own or paired with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

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