Perfectly Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce: A Restaurant-Quality Recipe

Impress your family and guests with this simple yet elegant recipe for Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce. Perfectly golden scallops paired with a tangy and buttery sauce make this dish irresistible. It’s easy to make, yet looks and tastes like it came from a fine-dining restaurant.

Ingredients

For the Scallops:

• 1 pound sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Scallops

1. Pat Dry: Use paper towels to pat the scallops dry. This step ensures a perfect sear.
2. Season: Lightly season both sides of the scallops with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Sear the Scallops

1. Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
2. Cook Scallops: Place the scallops in the pan in a single layer without crowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. Do not overcook.
3. Remove: Transfer the scallops to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Add white wine (if using) and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
3. Add Lemon: Stir in lemon juice and zest, then let the sauce simmer for another minute.

4. Assemble the Dish

1. Return Scallops: Add the seared scallops back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook for 1 minute to reheat.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Tips for Success

• Dry Scallops: Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a perfect sear.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the scallops in batches if necessary to avoid steaming them.
• Wine-Free Option: If you prefer, you can skip the wine and add a splash of chicken stock instead.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe combines the rich, buttery flavor of perfectly seared scallops with the zesty freshness of lemon. It’s quick, easy, and sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Serve your Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce alongside steamed vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home!