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Easy Lemon Butter Scallops served with a lemon wedge and fresh herbs.

Easy Lemon Butter Scallops

A quick and elegant dish featuring pan-seared sea scallops in a rich lemon butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 to 1.25 pounds sea scallops Dry packed scallops preferred
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or canola) For searing
  • 3 tablespoons butter Divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced For flavor
  • 1 lemon juice Required for sauce
  • to taste salt and pepper For seasoning
  • optional parsley or chives For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the scallops dry well with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and wait until it looks shimmery.
Cooking
  1. Place scallops in the pan with space between them. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Flip the scallops and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they have a golden crust.
  3. Lower the heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and garlic. Stir for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the remaining butter and squeeze in the lemon juice. Swirl the pan and spoon the sauce over the scallops.
  5. Taste the sauce and add a pinch of salt if needed.

Notes

Best served immediately to maintain the crust and warmth of the scallops. Consider serving with asparagus or over rice to soak up the lemon butter sauce.