If you ever crave something that feels both elegant and effortlessly delicious, this Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine perfectly seared sea scallops bathed in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce with just the right citrusy zing from fresh lemon juice and zest. It’s a simple recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of the scallops, elevating them into a dish that’s as impressive as it is comforting. Whether for a quick dinner or a special occasion, these scallops bring a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but oh so essential to achieving that buttery, garlicky, and lemony punch that makes this dish so memorable. Each component plays a crucial role— from the juicy scallops providing tender texture to the fresh parsley adding a hint of color and brightness.
- 1 lb large sea scallops: Look for dry-packed scallops for the best sear and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps create a perfect golden crust on the scallops.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a rich, smooth base to the sauce without overpowering.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the butter with bold, fragrant notes.
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon: Provides a bright acidity that balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every element.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Scallops
Start by patting your scallops dry with paper towels – this step is key to ensuring they sear beautifully rather than steam. Then, season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning is the foundation for the dish’s brilliant flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
Warm the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until you see it shimmer. This indicates it’s hot enough to give your scallops that irresistible golden crust when they hit the pan.
Step 3: Sear the Scallops
Place the scallops carefully in the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown sear. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly and sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned—this ensures a mellow yet punchy flavor base for the sauce.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Zest
Now, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest into the buttery garlic mixture. Use a spatula to gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s concentrated flavor gold right there.
Step 6: Return Scallops to Skillet
Pop the scallops back into the skillet and spoon the luscious lemon garlic butter sauce over them. Let them warm through for a minute or two so all those flavors can mingle and soak in perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of fresh green and a touch of herbaceous brightness. Serve these divine scallops immediately, while they’re warm and juicy.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic, but you can also sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or add a few lemon wedges on the side for anyone who loves an extra citrus kick. Microgreens or thinly sliced chives also add a delicate, fresh layer of texture and color.
Side Dishes
Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Think fluffy couscous, creamy risotto, or even a vibrant shredded carrot salad. Steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple spinach sauté are fantastic choices too, balancing the richness of the scallops with fresh or earthy elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your scallops atop a bed of garlic butter pasta or nestled on creamy polenta for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For a fun twist, skewer the scallops and drizzle with the lemon garlic butter sauce as an elegant appetizer. No matter how you plate it, these scallops look as stunning as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though many don’t!), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the scallops and sauce together to preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing cooked scallops is generally not recommended because they tend to lose their delicate texture and become rubbery. If necessary, freeze raw scallops separately by placing them in a freezer-safe bag, removing all air, and using within 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat your Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat just until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as this can overcook them quickly, making them tough and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe?
While fresh scallops yield the best texture and flavor, frozen scallops can work if properly thawed overnight in the fridge and patted completely dry. Dry scallops are critical for achieving that signature golden sear.
What kind of pan should I use to cook scallops?
A heavy-bottom skillet such as stainless steel or cast iron works best, as it retains heat evenly and helps form a beautiful sear without sticking.
Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh lemon?
Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a lively freshness that bottled lemon juice lacks, so for the best bright flavor, always opt for fresh lemon.
How do I know when scallops are cooked perfectly?
Perfectly cooked scallops have a golden crust outside while remaining tender and slightly translucent inside. Overcooked scallops turn rubbery and dry, so watch the time carefully.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe is straightforward, with clear steps that produce impressive results. It’s a fantastic recipe to gain confidence cooking seafood.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe is one of those dishes that’s so simple yet so spectacular it instantly becomes a favorite. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, the buttery, garlicky, lemon-kissed scallops never fail to delight. Give it a try and watch how this easy recipe transforms your seafood nights into something memorable and absolutely delicious.
Print
Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops recipe features perfectly seared large sea scallops cooked in a delicious garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. Quick and simple, this elegant dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb large sea scallops
Cooking Fats and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Flavorings
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly using paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Heat oil: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking, indicating it’s ready for searing.
- Sear scallops: Add the scallops to the hot skillet and sear without moving for 2–3 minutes on one side until a golden brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for another 2–3 minutes. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic in butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook until the garlic is fragrant and slightly softened, about 1–2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Add lemon flavor: Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful browned bits left from searing scallops.
- Combine scallops and sauce: Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over them to coat well, allowing them to warm back up for a minute.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish, and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure scallops are completely dry before searing to get a nice crust.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing scallops to ensure even browning.
- Scallops cook quickly; avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
