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Seared Scallops in Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This elegant dish features perfectly seared scallops enveloped in a rich, buttery lemon garlic sauce, making it ideal for both cozy dinners and special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Seafood
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound sea scallops Fresh, sweet, and juicy
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing
  • Salt and pepper To taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Forms the base of the sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic and savory flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Searing
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  2. Add the scallops to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes without moving them until golden-brown.
  3. Flip the scallops and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until they are just opaque in the center. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter. Allow to melt, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  2. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Return the scallops to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the sauce and ensuring they are heated through.
Serving
  1. Plate the scallops immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Choose fresh scallops for best results. Do not overcrowd the pan while searing. Adjust seasoning as needed.