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Recipe by:

Elena SMITH

Quick and Easy Lemon Butter Scallops

Enjoy perfectly seared lemon butter scallops by patting them dry, searing them until golden, and basting in a buttery garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Seafood
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Ingredients
  • 1 lb. large sea scallops, patted dry
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, juiced
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon zest
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • Skillet 10-inch cast-iron recommended
  • Paper towels For drying scallops
  • Spoon For basting

Method
 

  1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Place the scallops in the pan, without crowding, and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Flip the scallops, add butter, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and baste the scallops for 1-2 minutes until opaque.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, drizzling the buttery sauce over the scallops.

Notes

For best results, ensure scallops are dry before cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan.