Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce

seared scallops in a skillet garnished with lemon wedges and parsley.

5 from 1 vote

Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce

Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce is an elegant yet easy dish that's perfect for any occasion. The scallops are seared to perfection and topped with a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a deliciously quick meal.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 193kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

1 pound large scallops
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic minced
juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
lemon wedges for serving

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Remove the side muscles from the scallops if they’re attached. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the scallops to the pan in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Sear for about 2 minutes on each side, until a golden crust forms. Be careful not to overcook. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Pour in the lemon juice and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the scallops. Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Pat the scallops dry to get a good sear.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Serve immediately to keep the scallops tender and warm.
Substitute parsley with cilantro or chives for a different flavor.

Nutrition