Description
A quick and delicious recipe for perfectly pan-seared sea scallops with a luscious lemon butter sauce infused with garlic, capers, and fresh parsley. This dish offers a wonderful balance of rich, bright, and savory flavors, perfect as an elegant appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops (thawed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- 1 ½ tbsp parsley (minced)
- 2 tbsp capers
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides generously with salt.
- Heat the Pan: Place a pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot and just beginning to smoke.
- Sear the Scallops: Add the scallops carefully to the pan without overcrowding. Cook on one side for 60 to 90 seconds until a golden crust forms. Flip the scallops and cook another 60 to 90 seconds until cooked through. Remove the scallops and keep warm, repeating if necessary for all batches.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add the butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and capers to the pan. Stir continuously, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom for 1 to 2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the minced parsley and remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce over the scallops and serve immediately. Pair with crusty toasted bread, a light pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure scallops get a proper sear and do not steam.
- Drying scallops thoroughly before cooking is crucial for a golden crust.
- If fresh sea scallops are not available, thaw frozen scallops completely for best results.
- The lemon butter sauce can be prepared while scallops cook to save time.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor in the sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy scallops at their best texture and warmth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pan seared scallops, lemon butter scallops, scallops recipe, seared scallops, seafood dinner, easy scallops, garlic butter sauce, capers, quick seafood
