Description
Garlic Butter Baked Scallops with a Zesty Lemon Twist are the ultimate seafood indulgence—golden, buttery seared scallops drenched in a rich garlic lemon butter sauce. Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick yet elegant choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Scallops:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 lb sea scallops
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Scallops:
- Remove the small side muscle from each scallop and rinse them under cold water. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
- Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the Scallops:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter is sizzling, add the scallops in a single layer (avoid overcrowding). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once. The scallops should develop a golden-brown crust while staying tender inside.
- Remove the scallops and set them aside, covering them with foil to keep warm.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 30 seconds.
- Serve the Scallops:
- Return the scallops to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over them.
- Garnish with fresh parsley leaves for added color and freshness (optional).
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use Fresh or High-Quality Frozen Scallops: Fresh scallops are ideal, but frozen ones work well if properly thawed and dried.
- Don’t Skip Drying the Scallops: Drying ensures a beautiful golden sear and prevents the scallops from becoming soggy.
- Avoid Overcooking: Scallops cook quickly; overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.
- Enhance the Flavor: For extra zing, zest some lemon peel into the sauce or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Searing, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Seafood