Description
These Easy Garlic-Lemon Scallops are a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender sea scallops seared to perfection and topped with a zesty garlic-lemon butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer. With simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and lemon, it’s an easy way to enjoy restaurant-quality seafood at home.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup butter
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 pounds large sea scallops
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Instructions:
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Cook the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Sear the Scallops: Increase the heat to medium-high. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and opaque in the center.
- Prepare the Sauce: Remove the scallops from the skillet. Add the remaining ¼ cup of butter and lemon juice to the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Stir to combine.
- Combine and Serve: Return the scallops to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a creamy variation, add ½ cup of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be stirred into the sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
