Description
Golden, pan-seared sea scallops in a rich garlic butter sauce, finished with lemon and parsley. A quick and elegant dish ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional: lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the scallops in a single layer, without overcrowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Remove scallops from the pan and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Stir to combine and deglaze the pan slightly.
- Return scallops to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them until well coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Make sure scallops are completely dry before searing for the best crust.
Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure even browning.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
To reheat, gently warm in a skillet with a bit of butter over low heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
