Lemon Garlic Sea Scallops

The first time I made these lemon garlic scallops, I was trying to impress some unexpected dinner guests with something quick yet elegant. The bright zing of lemon paired with buttery garlic was an instant hit, reminding me how simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavors.

I remember the exact moment when I nailed the perfect sear on the scallops—the sound of the sizzling butter and olive oil as the scallops hit the hot pan was music, and that golden crust was my proudest pan moment yet.

Ingredients

• Sea scallops: Choose large, dry scallops for the best sear and flavor; pat them completely dry to avoid steaming.
• Garlic and shallot: Mince finely to release their fragrance without overpowering the delicate scallops.
• Butter and olive oil: Butter adds richness while olive oil raises the smoke point, helping achieve that perfect crust.
• Lemon zest and juice: Fresh zest offers bright oils while juice adds tangy depth; both are must-haves.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and an herbal finish that ties the dish together.

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a golden sear, season them evenly with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.

The Sear That Wows:

Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter until shimmering in your skillet; when the scallops hit the pan, listen for that satisfying sizzle and watch for a golden crust forming on each side, about two minutes each.

The Flavor Build:

Lower the heat and add the remaining butter with minced shallot and garlic, stirring gently until fragrant and translucent, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas.

Lemon Love:

Stir in lemon zest and juice, scraping browned bits from the pan to capture every bit of flavor.

Finish With Flair:

Return scallops to the pan, spoon the lemon-garlic butter sauce over them to warm through for a minute, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Save

This dish became more than food when I served it during a special anniversary dinner. The flavors and the memories stirred up by those perfect scallops made the evening truly unforgettable.

Keeping It Fresh

Always buy the freshest scallops you can find; their delicate texture and mild flavor shine brightest without heavy seasoning. If possible, use dry-packed scallops rather than those treated with phosphates for better searing results.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

These scallops pair beautifully with steamed asparagus, angel hair pasta tossed in a light olive oil dressing, or a crisp green salad. Adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the aromatics can elevate the sauce even more for a dinner party.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

When last-minute guests arrived unexpectedly, this quick-to-cook dish turned an ordinary evening into a celebration. Everyone was impressed that such elegance could come together in under 20 minutes.

• Remember to not overcrowd the pan to keep scallops searing evenly.
• Oh wait, one more thing: use fresh lemons for zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with ghee without losing that richness.

Save

Thanks for spending time in the kitchen with me. I hope these scallops bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine.

Common Questions

→ How do you prevent scallops from sticking to the pan?

Ensure the pan is hot and dry before adding oil or butter. Pat scallops dry and avoid overcrowding for a proper sear.

→ Can I use frozen scallops for this dish?

Yes, thaw frozen scallops completely and pat dry to remove moisture for optimal searing.

→ What can I serve alongside scallops for a complete meal?

Steamed asparagus, angel hair pasta, or a fresh green salad complement the delicate flavors well.

→ Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute butter with ghee or a plant-based alternative to keep the rich flavor without dairy.

→ How long should scallops be cooked to stay tender?

Sear scallops for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown to maintain a tender texture.