Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Butter Scallops are a deliciously elegant dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner. The tender, sweet scallops are seared to perfection in a sizzling pan and then bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce. This dish is simple yet sophisticated, showcasing the delicate flavor of the scallops complemented by the bright, zesty notes of lemon and the richness of butter. If you’re looking for a recipe that combines simplicity with gourmet taste, this Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe is the one to try.

Equipment and Tools

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Paper towels (for drying scallops)
• Large skillet or cast iron pan
• Tongs (for flipping scallops)
• Small whisk or spoon (for stirring sauce)
• Serving platter

Preparing the Scallops

Selecting and Prepping

1. Choose the Right Scallops: Look for large sea scallops that are uniform in size for even cooking. They should be dry-packed, meaning they haven’t been treated with any preservatives.
2. Dry the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving a good sear. If the scallops are too wet, they’ll steam rather than brown.

Seasoning the Scallops

1. Season Generously: Sprinkle both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning allows the natural sweetness of the scallops to shine.

Cooking the Scallops

Searing the Scallops

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that the scallops sizzle when they touch it.
2. Sear the Scallops: Add the scallops to the pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a golden crust forms. Avoid moving the scallops around in the pan to allow a good sear.

Making the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: Once the scallops are seared, remove them from the pan and set them aside. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Incorporate Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and cook for another minute until the sauce is well combined.

Assembling the Dish

Coating the Scallops

1. Return the Scallops: Return the seared scallops to the pan with the lemon butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the scallops to coat them evenly.
2. Simmer Briefly: Allow the scallops to simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Plating and Garnishing

1. Transfer to a Platter: Transfer the scallops to a serving platter.
2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Pair with Rice or Pasta: Lemon Butter Scallops are delicious served over a bed of rice, risotto, or pasta.
• Complement with Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a light green salad make excellent sides.

Wine Pairing

• White Wine: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with the delicate flavors of the scallops and lemon butter sauce.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Best Scallops

• Freshness Matters: For the best flavor, use the freshest scallops you can find. Avoid scallops that smell fishy or have a slimy texture.
• Dry vs. Wet Scallops: Opt for dry-packed scallops, as they haven’t been treated with water-retaining chemicals, ensuring a better sear.

Achieving a Perfect Sear

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the scallops in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will reduce the heat, preventing a good sear.
• Avoid Overcooking: Scallops cook quickly. As soon as they develop a golden crust and are opaque in the center, they’re done.

Variations to Try

Garlic Butter Scallops with Spinach

• Add Greens: After making the lemon butter sauce, add a handful of fresh spinach to the pan and sauté until wilted. Serve the scallops over the spinach for a healthy twist.

Spicy Lemon Butter Scallops

• Add a Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the lemon butter sauce for a spicy variation.

Conclusion

This Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the luxurious taste of scallops without much effort. The combination of tender, seared scallops and the bright, buttery lemon sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, these scallops are sure to impress.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Scallops?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best sear.

What’s the Difference Between Sea Scallops and Bay Scallops?

Sea scallops are larger and meatier, making them ideal for searing. Bay scallops are smaller and sweeter, often used in recipes that don’t require searing.

How Do I Know When Scallops Are Cooked?

Scallops are cooked when they are opaque in the center and have a firm but tender texture. They should also have a golden-brown crust on the outside.

Can I Make the Lemon Butter Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before adding the seared scallops.

What Other Proteins Can I Use with This Sauce?

The lemon butter sauce pairs well with shrimp, lobster, or even chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for different proteins.

Yield: 4

Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe

Print

Lemon Butter Scallops are a deliciously elegant dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner. The tender, sweet scallops are seared to perfection in a sizzling pan and then bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce. This dish is simple yet sophisticated, showcasing the delicate flavor of the scallops complemented by the bright, zesty notes of lemon and the richness of butter. If you're looking for a recipe that combines simplicity with gourmet taste, this Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe is the one to try.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb large sea scallops (about 16-20 scallops)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Scallops:
   Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
   
2. Sear the Scallops:
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the scallops in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
   Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Do not move the scallops while they are searing to ensure a good crust. Once cooked, remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside.
   
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for about 1 minute to reduce slightly.
   
4. Finish the Dish:
   Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the sauce and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the seared scallops to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over them. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just to heat the scallops through.
   
5. Serve:
   Transfer the scallops to a serving plate, drizzle with any remaining lemon butter sauce from the skillet, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Scallops: Make sure the scallops are well dried before searing to get a proper crust. Wet scallops won’t sear as well and may steam instead.

Butter: For an extra rich flavor, you can use clarified butter (ghee) instead of regular butter.

Cooking Time: Scallops cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Serving Suggestions: These lemon butter scallops pair well with a light pasta, risotto, or a fresh green salad. They’re also delicious served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.