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Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops

Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops
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Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops is a quick and elegant seafood dish featuring fresh sea scallops seared to a golden crust and infused with a rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering restaurant-quality flavor and a tender, buttery finish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb dry-packed large sea scallops (fresh)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Scallops: Pat scallops very dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper and set aside.
  2. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking, ensuring the pan is hot enough for a good sear.
  3. Sear the Scallops: Arrange scallops in the pan without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Flip the scallops and cook the other side for an additional 1–2 minutes until scallops are opaque and cooked through.
  4. Add Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan, swirling the pan as the butter melts. Continuously spoon the garlic butter over the scallops for about one minute to infuse flavor without burning the garlic.
  5. Finish with Fresh Touches: Remove the pan from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Dry the scallops thoroughly before cooking to ensure a golden sear.
  • Use a hot pan to develop a perfect crust without overcooking.
  • Cook scallops in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming instead of searing.
  • Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best flavor and texture.
  • Add garlic after searing to prevent burning and maintain its aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan seared scallops, garlic butter scallops, quick seafood recipe, elegant appetizer, easy scallops recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/pan-seared-garlic-butter-scallops/