Dreamy Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe: Ocean’s Finest Treat

Delicate scallops dancing in a velvety lemon butter sauce might just become your next culinary obsession.

These tender morsels promise an elegant dining experience that feels both luxurious and surprisingly simple.

Coastal kitchens often guard such magical recipes as secret treasures waiting to be discovered.

Rich, golden butter melts around each perfectly seared scallop, creating a symphony of flavors that whispers Mediterranean charm.

Light, zesty notes from fresh lemon cut through the richness, balancing each delectable bite with bright complexity.

The magic happens quickly, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that impresses without overwhelming.

Let this recipe transport you to a seaside restaurant where every plate tells a delicious story.

Ingredients Needed For Lemon Butter Scallops

• Scallops: Sweet, delicate shellfish that needs careful cooking to maintain tenderness. Fresh sea scallops work best, look for uniform size and moist appearance.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help achieve golden sear. Use unsalted butter for better sauce control.

• Garlic, Lemon Juice, Salt, Black Pepper: Create bright, zesty sauce that complements seafood. Fresh lemon and freshly ground black pepper recommended for best taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh herb notes and visual appeal. Bright green chopped parsley works perfectly as garnish.

How To Make Lemon Butter Scallops Like A Pro

Step 1: Prep Delicate Sea Gems

Gently blot scallops with soft paper towels to remove any moisture. Sprinkle both sides with a whisper of salt and a dash of freshly cracked black pepper. Let the scallops breathe and come to room temperature for a few minutes.

Step 2: Create Golden Perfection

Warm a heavy skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Watch for the oil to shimmer with anticipation. Carefully place scallops in the pan, giving each one breathing room. Let them dance in the heat, developing a gorgeous golden crust for 2-3 minutes on each side. The goal is a beautiful caramel exterior with a tender, translucent center. Lift the scallops onto a waiting plate when they’re perfectly kissed by heat.

Step 3: Craft Liquid Sunshine Sauce

In the same magical skillet, melt butter until it becomes a golden pool. Sprinkle in minced garlic, letting its aromatic magic fill the kitchen. The garlic will turn soft and fragrant in about a minute. Pour in fresh lemon juice, creating a bright, zesty blend. Let the sauce bubble and marry its flavors for another minute. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Gently return the seared scallops to their buttery bath. Swirl them around to coat each morsel in the luscious sauce. Shower with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of green freshness. Transfer to warm plates immediately.

• Extra parsley sprigs
• Lemon wedges
• A final drizzle of sauce

Tips To Get Lemon Butter Scallops Just Right

• Dry Scallops for Perfect Sear: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat scallops, removing all moisture which ensures a beautiful golden-brown crust and prevents steaming instead of searing.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook scallops in a single layer with space between each piece, allowing them to caramelize properly and develop a crispy exterior without releasing excess liquid.
• Control Heat for Optimal Texture: Maintain medium-high heat and sear scallops quickly for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a delicate golden crust while keeping the center tender and translucent.
• Maximize Flavor with Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic for a vibrant, zesty sauce that complements the delicate sweetness of the scallops.
• Quick Sauce Technique: Create a quick lemon butter sauce in the same skillet used for searing, capturing all the delicious browned bits for maximum flavor development.

How To Store Lemon Butter Scallops Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate leftover scallops in an airtight container for up to two days.
• Cool the scallops completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place the seafood in a shallow container to help maintain its delicate texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter to preserve the original tenderness and prevent overcooking.
• Avoid freezing scallops as they can become tough and lose their delicate flavor when thawed.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming refrigerated seafood, such as unusual odor or discoloration.
• For best quality, consume the scallops within 24 hours of cooking for the most exceptional taste and texture.

What Goes Well With Lemon Butter Scallops

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the delicate scallop flavor with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity and citrus notes perfectly complement the lemon butter sauce.
• Serve Alongside Herbed Risotto: Create a luxurious base with creamy parmesan risotto infused with fresh herbs like thyme or basil, which adds richness and texture to the light, tender scallops.
• Match with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare tender-crisp roasted asparagus with a light garlic and olive oil drizzle, providing a green vegetable side that balances the buttery seafood and adds nutritional depth to the meal.
• Complement with Citrus Salad: Toss a refreshing mixed green salad with segments of grapefruit or orange, a light vinaigrette, and toasted almonds to echo the lemon's brightness and provide a zesty counterpoint to the rich scallops.

Fresh Variations Of Lemon Butter Scallops

• Herbal Seafood Remix: Substitute parsley with fresh dill or tarragon for an aromatic herb-infused experience. Enhance the sauce with a splash of white wine to create deeper flavor complexity.
• Spicy Citrus Fusion: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to introduce a gentle heat. Replace lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a vibrant tropical profile that brightens the scallops.
• Mediterranean Coastal Style: Incorporate capers and minced shallots into the butter sauce. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture and nutty undertones.
• Garlic Herb Coastal Edition: Roast garlic before adding to the sauce for a mellower, sweeter flavor. Mix in fresh thyme and rosemary to create an earthy, robust Mediterranean-inspired version of the original recipe.

FAQs On Lemon Butter Scallops Answered Simply

• Why do I need to pat the scallops dry before cooking?

Patting scallops dry helps create a perfect golden-brown crust by removing excess moisture. Wet scallops won’t sear properly and will steam instead of developing that delicious crispy exterior.

• How can I tell if my scallops are cooked correctly?

Perfectly cooked scallops should be golden brown on the outside and opaque white in the center. They should look slightly translucent and feel slightly firm to the touch. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.

• What type of pan works best for searing scallops?

A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron skillet works best for searing scallops. These pans distribute heat evenly and help create that beautiful golden crust without sticking.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking. Fresh scallops are always preferred for the best texture and flavor, but high-quality frozen scallops can work well when prepared correctly.

Why Lemon Butter Scallops Are A Crowd Favorite

• Quickly Cook Gourmet Dish: This recipe transforms simple scallops into a restaurant-quality meal in just 15 minutes, allowing home cooks to create elegant seafood without complex techniques.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using only a handful of pantry staples like butter, lemon, garlic, and parsley, you can craft a restaurant-worthy dish that tastes incredibly sophisticated yet requires minimal preparation.
• Perfect for Weeknight Elegance: Ideal for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a luxurious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and clean-up.
• Versatile Protein Option: Adaptable for health-conscious diners seeking a low-carb, high-protein meal that pairs beautifully with salads, steamed vegetables, or light grains for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Lemon Butter Scallops Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky lemon butter scallops dance with zesty Mediterranean charm, bringing coastal elegance to dinner tables. Delicate seafood meets rich butter sauce, promising a quick, luxurious meal you’ll savor with restaurant-quality satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) sea scallops, side muscle removed

Fat and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dry each scallop using paper towels, removing all surface moisture. Delicately season both surfaces with salt and cracked black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
2. Select a heavy-based skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature until it shimmers with intense heat. Carefully place scallops into the pan, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent steaming.
3. Execute precise searing technique, allowing each scallop to develop a rich golden crust. Cook approximately 2-3 minutes per side until surfaces turn caramelized and centers transform to translucent white.
4. Transfer perfectly seared scallops onto a separate plate, preserving their delicate texture and warmth.
5. Reduce skillet heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a silky base. Incorporate finely minced garlic, stirring constantly to release its aromatic essence without browning.
6. Splash fresh lemon juice into the bubbling butter, creating a vibrant sauce that brightens the skillet’s flavor profile. Gently swirl and allow liquid to reduce slightly.
7. Reunite seared scallops with the luminous lemon butter sauce, coating each morsel with the fragrant mixture. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish for a verdant finishing touch.
8. Present immediately on warmed plates, garnishing with additional parsley and optional lemon wedges to enhance visual appeal and provide complementary citrus notes.

Notes

• Pat scallops completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear without steaming them in their own moisture.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron to create an evenly distributed, high heat that develops a beautiful caramelized crust on scallops.
• Choose fresh, high-quality sea scallops with a sweet, delicate flavor and avoid frozen options for the best texture and taste.
• Space scallops apart in the pan to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of creating a crispy exterior.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg