Scallops with Lemon Butter
Scallops with Lemon Butter is a classic seafood dish that highlights the delicate sweetness of scallops complemented by a tangy and buttery lemon sauce. This dish is elegant yet simple, perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests.
Scallops are quickly seared to golden perfection and then dressed with a flavorful lemon butter sauce that enhances their natural flavor without overpowering.
Serve these tender scallops with a side of vegetables or over pasta for a complete meal that’s sure to impress. Follow this recipe to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients:
- (Serves 4)
- 1 pound fresh sea scallops, side muscles removed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Cooked pasta or vegetables, for serving (optional)
How to Make Scallops with Lemon Butter:
- Prepare the Scallops:
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the scallops with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Scallops:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Add half of the scallops to the skillet in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and caramelized. Transfer the seared scallops to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining scallops.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is slightly reduced.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the butter is melted and incorporated.
- Serve:
Arrange the seared scallops on serving plates or over cooked pasta or vegetables, if using.
Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the scallops.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Chef’s Note:
Ensure the scallops are dry before searing to achieve a nice caramelized crust.
Be cautious not to overcook the scallops as they can become tough and rubbery. They cook quickly, so monitor closely during searing.
For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to the lemon butter sauce before serving.
Nutrition Value: (Per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
Enjoy these tender and flavorful Scallops with Lemon Butter as a sophisticated and delicious seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of seared scallops and tangy lemon butter sauce creates a delightful harmony of flavors that will leave you wanting more!
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