Lemon Butter Scallops are like a warm hug from the ocean, wrapped in a silky blanket of buttery goodness. Imagine diving into a plate of perfectly seared scallops, their golden edges glistening and begging to be devoured. With every bite, the tangy zest of lemon dances on your tongue, harmonizing beautifully with the richness of butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. sweet honey roasted carrots Cajun chicken pasta Trust me, this dish is so good that it might just make you want to throw a dinner party for no reason at all.
If you’re like me, you probably have fond memories of family gatherings where seafood was the star of the show. I remember my grandma whipping up her famous Lemon Butter Scallops, filling the kitchen with delightful aromas that made everyone rush to the table. This dish is perfect for special occasions or even just a cozy night in when you want to treat yourself. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave you craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lemon Butter Scallops are quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights
- The bright lemon flavor perfectly complements the delicate scallops, creating a mouthwatering experience
- Visually stunning with their golden color and garnished herbs, they impress any dinner guest
- Versatile enough for romantic dinners or casual gatherings, these scallops will steal the spotlight!
My friends couldn’t stop raving about these scallops during our last seafood night, they were practically licking their plates clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious shrimp pie.
- Scallops: Fresh or frozen, choose large sea scallops for the best texture and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the seasoning better; it adds rich creaminess.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a zesty kick; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic depth; be sure they’re not sprouted!
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley brightens up both flavor and presentation.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all other flavors; don’t skip them!
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; it’s perfect for searing your scallops.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels, this helps them get that lovely golden sear. Mince your garlic and chop your parsley while you’re at it.
Heat Up Your Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, this step is crucial for achieving that perfect sear on your scallops.
Sear Those Scallops!: Place scallops in the skillet without overcrowding them. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Resist the urge to flip them too soon; patience is key!
Add Butter and Garlic: Once your scallops are perfectly seared, add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan. Swirl everything around as it melts together, hello delicious aroma!
Lemon Love Time!: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice while tossing everything gently in the pan. This step brightens up flavors beautifully; remember to save some lemon zest for garnish!
Final Touches: Season generously with salt and pepper before adding chopped parsley right before serving, this gives your Lemon Butter Scallops that vibrant pop of color!
Enjoy every bite of this heavenly dish, you deserve it!
You Must Know
- Lemon butter scallops are a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors
- They cook quickly, so prepare your ingredients beforehand for a seamless experience
- The aroma of garlic and lemon will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to indulge
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by patting the scallops dry to ensure a lovely sear. Heat your pan and melt the butter before adding scallops in batches for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lemon for lime or add herbs like thyme for additional flavor. A splash of white wine can also enhance the sauce beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked scallops, remember they should be golden brown on the outside but tender on the inside
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan for optimal searing
- Always serve immediately for maximum freshness and flavor
Cooking lemon butter scallops reminds me of that dinner party when my friends couldn’t stop raving about them, definitely a confidence booster!
FAQ
What type of scallops should I use for lemon butter scallops?
Opt for sea scallops as they are larger and have more flavor than bay scallops.
Can I make lemon butter scallops ahead of time?
It’s best to cook them fresh, as they lose texture when reheated.
What side dishes pair well with lemon butter scallops?
For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta recipe.
Serve them with garlic bread or a light salad for a balanced meal. creamy potato salad.
Lemon Butter Scallops
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the heavenly taste of Lemon Butter Scallops, where tender, perfectly seared scallops meet a rich buttery sauce infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. This quick and elegant dish is perfect for any occasion, from intimate dinners to festive gatherings. With its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your seafood cravings!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large sea scallops (fresh or frozen)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Pat scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a golden sear.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add scallops, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown; avoid overcrowding.
- Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan, swirling until melted.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and gently toss; reserve some lemon zest for garnish.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
