These seared lemon garlic butter scallops are a symphony of flavors. Tender scallops get a caramelized sear in olive oil, then are finished with a garlicky wine reduction and a splash of citrus. This recipe takes less than 20 minutes, yet delivers a gourmet experience that will impress your guests.
Most of the ingredients for this dish can be found in a well-stocked pantry. However, you may need to pick up scallops from the seafood section of your supermarket. They may be frozen or fresh, but make sure they are thawed before cooking. Also, ensure you have a bottle of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to create the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients for Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
Olive oil: Used for searing the scallops and bringing out their natural flavor. It also forms the base for the sauce.
Scallops: They are the star of this dish. Choose large, plump scallops for the best results.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Brings a punch of flavor to the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds a hint of acidity.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the dish and gives it a refreshing kick.
Parsley: Adds a fresh and vibrant garnish to the finished dish.
One reader, Caleb Lopes says:
This seared lemon garlic butter scallops recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The scallops turned out perfectly seared and tender. The lemon and garlic butter sauce is a burst of freshness. It's a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Highly recommend!
Essential Techniques for Searing Scallops
How to thaw scallops: Place the frozen scallops in a bowl of cold water and let them sit for about 30 minutes until they are completely thawed. Once thawed, remove the side muscle from the scallops if attached and pat them dry with paper towels.
How to sear scallops: Heat olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot and sizzling. Add the scallops in a single layer without overcrowding the pan and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until a golden crust forms underneath, then flip and fry again for 2 minutes until crisp, lightly browned, and cooked through.
How to make lemon garlic butter sauce: Melt butter in the same pan, add in the garlic, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in wine (or broth) and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes until the wine reduces by about half. Stir in the remaining butter and lemon juice.
How to garnish with parsley: Sprinkle the cooked scallops with chopped parsley before serving.
How To Make Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
Treat yourself with a fancy yet simple dish, like butter scallops. Pan-seared crispy scallops in silky lemon garlic butter sauce, a restaurant quality dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1¼lbsscallops
- 3tbspunsalted butterdivided
- 5largegarlic clovesminced
- Salt and fresh ground black pepperto taste
- ¼cupdry white wineor broth
- 2tbsplemon juice
- ¼cupparsleychopped
Instructions
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If scallops are frozen, thaw in cold water. Remove the side muscle from the scallops if attached. Thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
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Heat olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot and sizzling. Add the scallops in a single layer without over crowding the pan (work in batches if needed).
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Season with salt and pepper to taste and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on one side (until a golden crust forms underneath), then flip and fry again for 2 minutes until crisp, lightly browned and cooked through (opaque). Remove from skillet and transfer to a plate.
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Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan, scraping up any browned bits left over from the scallops. Add in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant .
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Pour in wine (or broth) and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes or until wine reduces by about half. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and lemon juice.
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Remove pan (skillet) from the heat. Add the scallops back into the pan to warm through slightly and garnish with parsley.
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Serve over rice, pasta, garlic bread or steamed vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini noodles).
Nutrition
- Calories: 259.67kcal
- Fat: 16.18g
- Saturated Fat: 6.61g
- Trans Fat: 0.36g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.25g
- Carbohydrates: 8.09g
- Fiber: 0.42g
- Sugar: 0.44g
- Protein: 17.79g
- Cholesterol: 56.92mg
- Sodium: 561.05mg
- Calcium: 31.94mg
- Potassium: 364.97mg
- Iron: 1.02mg
- Vitamin A: 90.21µg
- Vitamin C: 9.89mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Perfectly Seared Scallops
When searing scallops, it's crucial to have your pan hot enough to ensure a proper sear and to avoid overcooking. The scallops should sizzle immediately upon hitting the pan. Also, be sure to pat the scallops dry before cooking. Any excess moisture can prevent them from getting a good sear. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the pan as this can cause the scallops to steam rather than sear. If necessary, cook the scallops in batches to maintain the high heat of the pan.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and tools needed before starting the cooking process to save time and avoid last-minute searches.
Multi-task: While the scallops are searing, prepare the garlic butter sauce to maximize efficiency and reduce overall cooking time.
Organize your workspace: Keep your cooking area clean and organized to easily access ingredients and tools, making the cooking process more efficient.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic instead of mincing fresh garlic cloves, reducing prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Invest in a good quality non-stick skillet: Using a non-stick skillet will prevent the scallops from sticking, making the cooking process quicker and easier.
Prep ahead: Thaw the scallops and remove the side muscle in advance to streamline the cooking process and save time during meal preparation.
Opt for pre-washed and pre-cut vegetables: Choose pre-washed and pre-cut vegetables to reduce prep time and simplify the overall cooking process.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and tools as you cook to maintain a tidy workspace and save time on cleaning up after the meal is prepared.
Substitute Ingredients For Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point to olive oil and a mild, buttery flavor that works well in searing scallops.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is clarified butter with a rich, nutty flavor that complements scallops and can be used in place of unsalted butter.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor and can provide a similar aromatic base to the dish as garlic cloves.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: Both chicken and vegetable broth can add depth of flavor and moisture to the dish, similar to dry white wine.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the acidity and tanginess that lemon juice adds to the dish.
parsley - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish to add a fresh, herbal element to the dish.
Best Ways to Plate and Serve Seared Scallops
Elevate the scallops: Arrange the seared scallops in a circular pattern on the plate, with each scallop slightly overlapping the other to create a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the scallops to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider serving the scallops on a bed of creamy cauliflower puree to provide a smooth contrast to the crispy seared exterior of the scallops.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by allowing some of the plate to remain uncovered, drawing attention to the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Add a drizzle of lemon garlic butter sauce: Use a squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle the flavorful sauce around the scallops, adding both visual appeal and a burst of citrusy aroma.
Serve on elegant dinnerware: Choose sophisticated, minimalist dinnerware to showcase the scallops, allowing the dish to take center stage and exude a sense of refinement.
Consider the plate shape: Opt for a round or oval plate to complement the circular arrangement of the scallops, creating a harmonious visual effect.
Balance the plate: Ensure that the scallops are positioned in a way that balances the overall composition of the plate, creating a visually pleasing and harmonious presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Perfectly Seared Scallops
- Olive oil: A staple in many recipes, olive oil is used for sautéing, frying, and as a base for dressings and marinades.
- Skillet: A versatile and essential kitchen tool, a skillet is used for frying, searing, and sautéing a wide variety of foods.
- Paper towels: Paper towels are used for patting dry ingredients, such as scallops, to ensure a crispy and golden sear when cooking.
- Plate: A plate is used for serving and presenting the cooked scallops before they are plated for the final dish.
- Garlic press: A garlic press is a handy tool for quickly and efficiently mincing garlic, adding flavor to the dish.
- Lemon squeezer: A lemon squeezer is used to extract fresh lemon juice, adding a bright and tangy flavor to the scallops.
- Tongs: Tongs are used for flipping and turning the scallops while they are being seared to ensure even cooking.
- Spatula: A spatula is used for gently transferring the seared scallops from the skillet to the plate without damaging their crispy exterior.
- Whisk: A whisk is used for emulsifying the butter, garlic, and lemon juice, creating a flavorful sauce to accompany the scallops.
- Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to accurately portion and pour the white wine and lemon juice for the sauce.
- Knife: A knife is used for mincing garlic and for various other preparation tasks in the kitchen.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for mincing garlic and preparing other ingredients for the recipe.
Storing and Freezing Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
To store leftover scallops, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of white wine or chicken broth to prevent them from drying out.
If you want to freeze the cooked scallops, first let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the scallops to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw frozen cooked scallops, place them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or olive oil until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
If you have leftover garlic butter sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also freeze the sauce in an ice cube tray for easy portioning later.
When storing raw scallops, keep them in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually the back) and use them within 1 to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen raw scallops in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
How To Reheat Leftover Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover scallops in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the scallops are heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the scallops from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the scallops in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 30-second intervals, checking the temperature after each interval. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the scallops to become rubbery.
If you want to reheat the scallops on the stovetop, heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the scallops and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until heated through. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they can quickly become overcooked.
For a flavorful twist, try reheating the scallops in the leftover lemon garlic butter sauce. Place the scallops and sauce in a pan over medium heat and cook until the scallops are heated through and the sauce is bubbling. This method will infuse the scallops with even more delicious flavor.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your scallops. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the scallops in the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help to crisp up the exterior of the scallops while keeping the inside tender.
Interesting Trivia About Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
Scallops are a great source of magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B12, making them a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet.
Is Making Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops at Home Cost-Effective?
This seared lemon garlic butter scallops recipe is moderately cost-effective. Scallops can be expensive, but the dish is balanced by affordable ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and lemon. The use of dry white wine may increase the cost, but it adds depth to the flavor. The overall verdict for this dish is 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $40-$50, factoring in the price of scallops and other ingredients.
Are Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Healthy or Unhealthy?
This seared lemon garlic butter scallops recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it may not be the healthiest option. While scallops are a lean protein source and provide essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium, the recipe also includes a significant amount of butter and olive oil, which are high in saturated fat and calories. Additionally, the recipe calls for white wine, which adds extra calories and sugar to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or avocado oil
- Use a low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of white wine to reduce the calorie and sugar content
- Serve the scallops with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal
- Use whole grain pasta or rice instead of white pasta or rice to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish
- Limit the portion size of the scallops and serve them as part of a balanced meal with plenty of vegetables and whole grains
By making these simple modifications, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of seared lemon garlic butter scallops while also supporting your overall health and well-being. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to indulgent dishes like this one, so be mindful of your portion sizes and balance them with plenty of nutrient-dense foods throughout the day.
Editor's Opinion on This Scallop Recipe
The seared lemon garlic butter scallops recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The scallops are perfectly seared to create a golden crust, while the garlic and lemon butter sauce adds a burst of tangy and savory notes. The addition of white wine and parsley elevates the dish, offering a sophisticated and aromatic finish. This recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments, making it a versatile and impressive dish for any occasion.
Enhance Your Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Ideal Starters and Sweet Endings for a Scallop Dinner
Why trust this Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe:
This seared scallops recipe is a trusty choice for any seafood lover. The combination of lemon juice and garlic infuses the dish with zesty flavor, while the butter adds a rich and indulgent touch. The careful instructions ensure a perfect sear on the scallops, creating a delightful golden crust. With the addition of parsley for a fresh finish, this recipe promises a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily recreate at home. Trust in the simplicity and elegance of this recipe for a memorable dining experience.
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