Lemon Butter Scallops (Printable)

Golden sea scallops finished in a zesty lemon butter sauce for a light, flavorful meal.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large sea scallops, patted dry

→ Sauce

02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - Zest of 1 lemon
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
07 - 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

10 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add scallops in a single layer without overcrowding, working in batches if necessary.
03 - Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden crust forms. Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes until just opaque. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Pour wine or broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes while scraping up browned bits until slightly reduced.
06 - Return scallops and accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon lemon butter sauce over scallops and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and easy preparation in just 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  • Bright lemon butter sauce highlights the delicate flavor of fresh sea scallops.
  • Simple ingredients create an elegant and impressive main dish.
  • Gluten-free and pescatarian friendly to suit diverse diets.
02 -
  • Dry scallops thoroughly to ensure they sear properly and develop a golden crust.
  • Do not move scallops while searing to form a perfect crust.
  • Cook in batches if your pan is small to avoid steaming instead of searing.
  • Use a microplane for zesting the lemon finely and evenly.
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