If you are looking to impress with a dish that’s quick, elegant, and irresistibly flavorful, this Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe is your go-to secret weapon. The tender scallops seared to golden perfection are bathed in a luscious sauce made from bright lemon juice and rich butter, elevated by a hit of garlic and fresh parsley. It’s a dish that feels luxurious but comes together in no time, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your favorite ways to enjoy seafood!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing an important role. Fresh scallops bring that silky texture, butter adds richness and depth, while lemon juice provides the bright, zesty pop that wakes up your taste buds. Garlic and parsley elevate the aroma and flavor, making every bite irresistible.
- 1 lb fresh scallops: Choose dry-packed scallops for the best sear and flavor without excess water.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Unsalted lets you control the seasoning while giving a velvety richness.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon): Freshly squeezed lemon juice delivers the brightest, most natural tang.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a subtle pungency and depth, sautéed briefly for perfect aroma.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Parsley brings a fresh, herbal lift and lovely green color to dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the scallops’ natural sweetness.
How to Make Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
Start by rinsing your scallops under cold water to remove any grit or impurities, then gently pat them dry with paper towels. This drying step is crucial because it ensures that when you sear the scallops, they get that beautiful golden crust instead of steaming in the pan.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic
Place a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it’s bubbling gently. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until you smell that wonderful garlic aroma but before it starts browning. This quick step really infuses your butter with a savory base flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Scallops
Add the scallops to the skillet, making sure to space them out so they don’t steam each other. Let them sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden brown crust. Resist the urge to move them around early—the crust is the key to locking in flavor and texture.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Season
Once the scallops are beautifully seared, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over them and season generously with salt and pepper. Gently stir to combine the flavors, allowing the acidity of the lemon to balance the richness of the butter and scallops.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Parsley
Remove your pan from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chopped parsley. This final step creates a silky sauce that coats the scallops perfectly and adds that fresh herbal note to bring everything together.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these scallops with a few lemon wedges instantly adds a bright pop of color and lets everyone customize the lemony tang to their liking. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley can also heighten the dish’s fresh, inviting look and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think light and fresh, like steamed asparagus or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to echo the lemon theme. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter noodles are also excellent choices if you want something heartier to soak up the buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve these scallops over a bed of creamy risotto or alongside roasted baby potatoes. You can even turn them into a stunning appetizer by placing each scallop on a small spoon with a touch of sauce and a parsley leaf for beautiful bite-sized servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, but be aware that scallops are best enjoyed fresh for their tender texture.
Freezing
While it’s not ideal to freeze cooked scallops because they can become rubbery, if needed, place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your scallops gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter to revive the sauce and maintain their tenderness. Avoid using the microwave, as it tends to toughen seafood.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe?
Yes, but fresh scallops are preferred for the best texture and flavor. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What kind of pan is best for cooking scallops?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan works best because it retains heat evenly, allowing you to get that perfect sear without the scallops sticking or steaming.
Can I add other herbs besides parsley?
Absolutely! Herbs like chives, tarragon, or basil can add interesting flavors, but parsley keeps it classic and fresh without overpowering the delicate scallops.
Is this Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option if you’re avoiding gluten.
How do I know when the scallops are cooked perfectly?
Scallops are done when they develop a golden crust and become opaque in the center but still tender. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so keep a close eye and cook them quickly on each side.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and impressive about this Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe that makes it a top contender for any seafood lover’s repertoire. It’s simple enough for a weekday supper but elegant enough to wow guests, with clean, bright flavors balanced by rich butter and fresh herbs. I can’t wait for you to try this and enjoy every buttery, lemony bite as much as I do!
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Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Butter Scallops recipe offers a quick and elegant seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender scallops are seared to a golden brown in butter and garlic, then brightened with fresh lemon juice and parsley for a flavorful, buttery finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh scallops
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare scallops: Rinse scallops under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture for a perfect sear.
- Melt butter: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it is bubbling but not browned.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Sear scallops: Place the scallops in the skillet spaced apart and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust.
- Add lemon and season: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the scallops and season with salt and pepper, stirring gently to combine the flavors.
- Finish with butter and parsley: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and chopped parsley until the butter melts and coats the scallops.
- Serve: Serve the scallops immediately, optionally garnished with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
Notes
- Make sure scallops are dry before cooking to achieve a better sear.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the dish.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, but adjust quantity to taste.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad.
