Fresh Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe: Zingy Seafood Delight

Sizzling seafood dreams come alive with these mouthwatering lemon garlic butter scallops that dance between delicate and bold flavors.

Golden-brown scallops glisten with a rich, aromatic sauce that promises restaurant-quality dining at home.

Each perfectly seared morsel melts on your tongue, releasing a burst of zesty citrus and savory garlic.

The secret lies in achieving that coveted caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender, succulent center.

butter creates a luxurious coating that enhances the natural sweetness of fresh scallops.

Professional chefs know this technique can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Dive into this simple yet elegant dish that will impress even the most discerning seafood lovers.

How to Cook Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Ocean Delicacy Sensation

• Scallop Preparation Ocean's Finest Treasure

Gently thaw frozen scallops in cold water. Carefully remove any side muscle and lovingly pat dry with soft paper towels to ensure perfect cooking texture.

• Sizzling Golden Crust Magic

Fire up a large skillet with a splash of olive oil, creating a hot dance floor for your scallops. Arrange them in a single layer, giving each precious morsel room to shine. Season with a whisper of salt and pepper.

• Crispy Transformation

Let scallops sizzle for 2-3 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden armor. Flip with confidence and cook another 2 minutes until they’re perfectly opaque and lightly bronzed.

• Flavor Symphony

In the same pan, melt butter and welcome fragrant garlic. Splash in wine, creating a rich sauce that bubbles and reduces. Stir in a final touch of butter and zesty lemon juice for a burst of brightness.

• Final Flourish

Reunite scallops with their luxurious sauce, warming them gently. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside your favorite companion – rice, pasta, or tender vegetables.

Scallop Cooking Tips & Variations

• Seafood Selection Savvy: Choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops with a creamy white or light beige color and a sweet, ocean-like aroma for the best flavor and texture.
• Moisture Management Magic: Always pat scallops completely dry before cooking to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Wine Wisdom: Replace white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version, or try dry vermouth for an extra layer of complexity in the sauce.
• Flavor Fusion Tricks: Experiment with herb variations like fresh thyme, dill, or tarragon instead of parsley to change up the recipe's aromatic profile and surprise your taste buds.
• Quick Skillet Strategy: Use a cast-iron or stainless steel pan for the most even heat distribution and perfect caramelization of delicate scallops, ensuring a restaurant-quality sear every single time.

Serving Suggestions for Butter Scallops

• Elegant Seafood Centerpiece: Place golden scallops on a white serving platter garnished with fresh parsley sprigs, creating a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses dinner guests.
• Mediterranean-Style Accompaniment: Serve scallops atop a bed of creamy risotto or herbed quinoa, allowing the lemon garlic butter sauce to beautifully coat the grains and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Gourmet Salad Topper: Slice scallops and arrange over a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, adding a protein-rich element that transforms a simple salad into a luxurious meal.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which naturally enhances the delicate seafood and bright citrus notes.

Storing Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Properly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated scallops stay fresh for 1-2 days maximum, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual scallops tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags before freezing. Frozen prepared scallops remain delicious for up to 3 weeks when sealed correctly.
• Reheating Wisdom: Gently warm scallops in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter to prevent drying. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make seafood tough and rubbery.
• Advanced Meal Prep Trick: Prepare sauce and clean scallops in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. Cook scallops just before serving to maintain their delicate, tender quality and prevent overcooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

• Olive Oil: Ensures smooth sautéing and prevents sticking, select high-quality extra virgin for best flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, velvety texture and helps create a luxurious pan sauce, choose fresh European-style butter for deeper taste.

• Scallops: Tender ocean jewels that cook quickly, look for fresh, plump, and uniformly colored specimens with a sweet ocean aroma.
• Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Elevate and balance the seafood's natural sweetness, use coarse sea salt and freshly cracked pepper for maximum impact.

• Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic punch, choose firm cloves without sprouts for strongest flavor.
• Dry White Wine or Broth: Adds sophisticated depth and helps deglaze pan, select crisp wines like Sauvignon Blanc or light chicken broth.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens dish with zesty acidity, squeeze fresh for vibrant, pure citrus notes.
• Parsley: Provides fresh, herbal finish and beautiful green color, choose flat-leaf variety for more robust taste.

Tools for Searing Lemon Butter Scallops

• Large Skillet or Pan: Essential for searing scallops and creating a golden crust.
• Paper Towels: Perfect for thoroughly drying scallops before cooking.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helpful for flipping scallops and moving them in the pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Needed for precise seasoning and butter measurements.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing ingredients like garlic and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Required for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.

Succulent Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter scallops create a luxurious seafood experience with minimal preparation. Mediterranean coastal flavors combine delicate scallops, rich butter, and zesty citrus for a restaurant-quality dish home cooks can easily master.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.25 pounds (600 grams) scallops
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4–5 large garlic cloves (or 1.5 tbsps minced garlic)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 0.25 cup dry white wine or broth
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 0.25 cup chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thaw frozen scallops in cold water, delicately remove side muscle, and pat dry with paper towels to ensure optimal searing potential.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Arrange scallops in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip and sear for an additional 2 minutes, achieving a crisp exterior while maintaining a tender core.
3. Sauce Creation: Remove scallops and deglaze the skillet with wine or broth, scraping up browned bits. Introduce minced garlic and reduce liquid by half. Whisk in butter and lemon juice to craft a silky, aromatic sauce.
4. Finishing Touch: Gently return scallops to the skillet, coating them in the vibrant sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately alongside rice, pasta, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or zucchini noodles.

Notes

• Defrost with Care: Use cold water for gentle thawing and pat scallops completely dry to achieve a perfect golden sear.
• Preheating is Crucial: Ensure skillet reaches medium-high heat with shimmering olive oil before adding scallops for optimal caramelization.
• Master the Sear: Cook scallops 2-3 minutes per side, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the center tender and succulent.
• Sauce Magic: Deglaze pan with wine or broth, reduce by half, and whisk in butter and lemon juice for a luxurious, bright finish that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg