Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Perfectly seared scallops finished with a silky lemon garlic butter sauce and fresh parsley. A quick yet elegant seafood dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Elegant Presentation: The golden-brown scallops and vibrant lemon sauce create a beautiful plate that’s sure to wow at dinner parties.
• Versatile Ingredients: The recipe uses common kitchen staples, meaning you can whip it up anytime without special trips to the store.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops.
• Healthy Option: Low in carbs and packed with protein, this dish fits well into various dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops, you’ll need some essential tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Tongs
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good-quality skillet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden crust on the scallops.
• Tongs: Use tongs for easy flipping of scallops without damaging their delicate texture.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for quickly mincing garlic and cutting lemon for juice and zest.

Ingredients

For the Scallops

• 1 lb. large sea scallops, patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Sauce

• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Seasoning

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Pat scallops very dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper generously.

Step 2: Sear the Scallops

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
– Add scallops in a single layer without overcrowding.
– Sear them for 2–3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Lower heat to medium.
– Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
– Stir in lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Step 4: Combine Scallops and Sauce

Return scallops to the pan.
– Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over them to glaze evenly.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread or pasta for an exquisite meal experience.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Serving lemon garlic butter scallops can elevate your dining experience, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance this elegant dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair the scallops with slices of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.

Over Pasta

• Serve the scallops on a bed of linguine or spaghetti tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs for a complete meal.

With a Fresh Salad

• Accompany the scallops with a light arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors.

On Rice or Quinoa

• Place the scallops over fluffy rice or quinoa, allowing the grains to absorb the flavorful sauce for added texture.

Garnished with Extra Herbs

• Sprinkle additional fresh parsley or chives on top before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor.

How to Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Cooking perfect lemon garlic butter scallops is all about technique. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Pat dry thoroughly: Ensuring that your scallops are very dry helps achieve that beautiful golden crust when searing.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will cause steaming instead of searing, preventing that ideal crust.
• Use high heat: Searing at medium-high heat allows the scallops to cook quickly while developing a crispy exterior without drying out.
• Don’t overcook: Scallops should only be cooked for 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can lead to rubbery scallops, so keep an eye on them!
• Add garlic at the right time: Sautéing garlic briefly ensures it remains fragrant without burning, which can impart bitterness to your sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Complementing lemon garlic butter scallops with the right side dishes can enhance your meal’s overall flavor profile. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic are a classic pairing that balances well with the buttery sauce.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Tender, roasted asparagus adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color, making it an excellent choice alongside scallops.
3. Zucchini Noodles: Light and healthy zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil provide a low-carb option that complements the dish beautifully.
4. Lemon Herb Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with lemon zest and fresh herbs echoes the citrus notes in the scallops, enhancing each bite.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color while complementing the rich flavors of the scallop dish.
6. Cauliflower Gratin: A cheesy cauliflower gratin offers creaminess and warmth that pairs nicely with seared scallops while adding comfort to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish from good to exceptional. Here are some key mistakes to watch out for:

• Not drying the scallops: Moisture prevents a good sear and can lead to steaming instead of browning. Always pat the scallops dry with paper towels before cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan: If you add too many scallops at once, they will steam rather than sear. Cook them in batches if necessary for an even golden crust.
• Using low-quality ingredients: The flavors in this dish shine when using fresh, high-quality garlic, butter, and lemon. Invest in good ingredients for the best results.
• Cooking on too low heat: Cooking scallops on low heat leads to uneven cooking and a lack of that desirable crust. Use medium-high heat for perfect searing.
• Skipping the resting time: Letting scallops rest after cooking helps retain their juices. Serve them immediately but consider letting them sit for a minute or two off heat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

• Freeze cooked scallops in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They will maintain their quality for up to 2 months.

Reheating Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place scallops on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place scallops on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil and gently heat the scallops for 2-3 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops:

How do I ensure my Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops are tender?

To keep your scallops tender, avoid overcooking them. A few minutes on each side should suffice; they should be opaque but still slightly firm.

Can I make Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops ahead of time?

While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and quickly sear the scallops just before serving.

What sides pair well with Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops?

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. A light salad also complements this dish nicely.

What makes this recipe an easy gourmet option?

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops is quick to prepare while delivering restaurant-quality flavors at home, making it perfect for any occasion.

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes! If using frozen scallops, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops offer an elegant yet simple dish that impresses at dinner parties or casual weeknight meals. With its bright flavors and quick preparation, it’s versatile enough for customization—try adding different herbs or spices to suit your taste! Enjoy making this delightful seafood recipe!