This Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Recipe is a delightful dish perfect for special occasions like Christmas Eve. The combination of tender scallops and a rich lemon butter sauce creates a luxurious meal that impresses guests.
The preparation is simple, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. With just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Elegant Seared Scallops Recipe
This recipe features perfectly seared scallops that are golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside, complemented by a zesty lemon butter sauce. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and serves 2 people, making it an ideal choice for a romantic dinner or festive gathering.
Ingredients
- 12 large sea scallops, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the Scallops: Add the scallops to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Return the scallops to the skillet, gently tossing them in the lemon butter sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
