Description
Experience the exquisite taste of pan-seared scallops, a quick and elegant seafood dish that features perfectly caramelized scallops in a luscious lemon butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and served with bright lemon wedges. This ultimate seafood sensation is simple to prepare yet impressively gourmet, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound large sea scallops (patted dry)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons white wine or chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops very dry using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it is hot enough for searing.
- Sear the Scallops: Place scallops in the skillet in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip scallops and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the centers are just opaque.
- Remove Scallops: Transfer the cooked scallops to a plate and set aside, keeping them warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in lemon juice and white wine or chicken broth, scraping the pan bottom to lift any browned bits, then simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
- Coat and Serve: Return the scallops briefly to the skillet to coat them in the sauce. Then transfer to a serving plate, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are thoroughly dried before searing for the best caramelization and crust.
- Pair this dish beautifully with creamy risotto, pasta, or a crisp green salad.
- Using a cast-iron skillet enhances even heat distribution and improves the searing process.
