Sizzling Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Seafood enthusiasts swoon over these delectable lemon garlic butter scallops that melt in your mouth with incredible flavor.

Perfectly seared scallops create a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, silky center.

The zesty combination of bright lemon and rich garlic butter elevates every single bite to restaurant-quality perfection.

Fresh scallops are the star of this simple yet elegant dish that comes together in mere minutes.

Seasoned home cooks and kitchen novices alike will love how quickly these succulent scallops transform an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

The secret lies in high heat and precise cooking technique that ensures each scallop caramelizes beautifully without becoming tough.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible seafood delight that promises to impress at any dinner table.

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Scallops: Delicate, tender shellfish that provide a sweet and buttery flavor profile for the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a perfect golden sear on the scallops and prevents sticking.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy depth and helps create a luxurious sauce.

• Garlic: Brings a sharp, intense flavor that complements the delicate scallops.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright garnish that adds color and herbal notes.

• White Wine or Broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce and helps deglaze the pan.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy acidity that balances the richness of the butter and scallops.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the scallops and sauce.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Step 1: Prepare Scallops

Defrost frozen scallops in cold water.

Remove the small side muscle to prevent chewiness.

Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the scallops, ensuring a perfect golden sear.

Step 2: Create Golden Crust

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Arrange scallops in a single layer without overcrowding.

Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a beautiful golden crust develops.

Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes until opaque.

If scallops stick, they need more cooking time.

Step 3: Craft Flavorful Sauce

• Minced garlic
• White wine or broth
• Lemon juice

Simmer the mixture for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.

Stir constantly to prevent burning and capture all the delicious browned scallop bits.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Return scallops to the pan, coating them in the rich sauce.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant finish.

The herbs will add a bright, fresh dimension to the dish.

Serving Suggestion

Serve immediately with crusty bread or over pasta to soak up the delectable sauce.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light salad.

Tips for Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in delicious flavors.
• Select high-quality, dry-packed scallops for the best texture and taste, avoiding watery or chemically treated options.
• Maintain medium-high heat to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy without overcooking.
• Cook scallops in a single layer, working in batches if needed to prevent steaming and achieve that beautiful caramelized crust.
• Use the same pan after searing to capture all the delicious browned bits, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that enhances the scallops' natural sweetness.

Store & Reheat Lemon Garlic Scallops Smoothly

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the delicate seafood.
• Warm scallops slowly in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or broth to prevent drying out. Stir gently and heat just until warmed through, typically 2-3 minutes.
• If using a microwave, place scallops in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 15-second intervals to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.
• Avoid freezing cooked scallops, as they can become tough and lose their delicate texture when thawed and reheated.

Best Pairings for Lemon Garlic Scallops

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich butter sauce and complements the delicate scallop flavor.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to echo the recipe's citrus notes and provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the buttery seafood.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce, adding textural variety and maximizing flavor enjoyment.
• Recommend Herbed Risotto: Craft a creamy parmesan risotto with fresh herbs like thyme or chives to provide a smooth, luxurious base that beautifully supports the seared scallops.

Try These Twists on Lemon Garlic Scallops

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil for a lactose-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of wine to maintain the sauce's depth.
• Herb-Infused Option: Swap parsley with fresh dill or chives. Add thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter sauce for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Keep the recipe as is, since scallops are naturally low-carb. Ensure you use a dry white wine or skip it entirely to reduce carbohydrates.
• Spicy Seafood Variation: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne to the butter sauce. Include a small amount of smoked paprika for an extra kick of flavor.

FAQs

• How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown crust and opaque white color. They should feel slightly firm but still tender, taking about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch them closely.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely in cold water and pat them extremely dry before cooking. Moisture prevents achieving that perfect golden sear, so use paper towels to remove excess water thoroughly.

• What type of pan works best for searing scallops?

A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron skillet is ideal. These pans distribute heat evenly and help create that beautiful golden crust. Avoid non-stick pans as they won’t provide the same searing results.

• Why is it important to not overcrowd the pan when cooking scallops?

Overcrowding reduces pan temperature and prevents proper searing. Scallops need space to brown correctly. If needed, cook them in batches to ensure each scallop gets direct contact with the hot pan surface for a perfect golden crust.

Why Lemon Garlic Scallops Steal the Show

• Combines rich butter, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic for a mouthwatering sauce that elevates simple seafood into a gourmet experience.
• Prepare a sophisticated meal in just a few minutes, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that feels luxurious yet effortless.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with a recipe that uses a single pan, reducing washing up and making cooking and serving a breeze for busy home cooks.

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter scallops dance with zesty Mediterranean flavors, promising a restaurant-quality seafood experience. Delicate scallops seared to golden perfection will transport you to coastal culinary bliss with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.25 pounds scallops
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4–5 cloves garlic (large, minced) or 1.5 tablespoons minced garlic

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Thaw frozen scallops in cold water, carefully removing the tough side muscle. Thoroughly dry scallops with paper towels to ensure optimal searing and prevent steaming.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s sufficiently hot. Carefully place scallops in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sear for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops, then flip and cook an additional 2 minutes until they become opaque and fully cooked.
3. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic but not burnt. Pour in wine or broth, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce for 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate remaining butter and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the pan, creating a rich, tangy sauce that captures the pan’s caramelized remnants. Gently return scallops to the skillet, coating them in the flavorful sauce.
5. Transfer scallops to serving plates and drizzle with remaining sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant garnish and added layer of flavor. Serve immediately while hot and at peak deliciousness.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality scallops with a sweet, mild ocean smell to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Thoroughly dry scallops using paper towels to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear without steaming them in the pan.
• Maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and succulent.
• Replace wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock for a non-alcoholic version that still provides depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg