Elevate your weeknight dinner menu with this irresistibly flavorful 'Quick and Easy Scallops' recipe! Perfectly seared sea scallops are paired with a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with fresh parsley and bright, zesty lemon juice. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines gourmet elegance with straightforward preparation, making it ideal for busy evenings or intimate dinner parties. The simple seasoning of salt and black pepper enhances the scallops' natural sweetness, while a quick sear creates that coveted golden crust. Serve these buttery, citrus-kissed scallops with crusty bread, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete, restaurant-quality meal that’s as easy as it is impressive.
Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Sprinkle them with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it heat until it begins to shimmer, about 1-2 minutes.
Place the scallops in the skillet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Sear undisturbed for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
Flip the scallops gently using tongs and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Remove the scallops from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep them warm.
Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Allow the butter to melt, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the fresh lemon juice to the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to incorporate any browned bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Stir in the chopped parsley, and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or more lemon juice, if desired.
Return the scallops to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over them to coat. Allow them to warm through for about 1 minute.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread, steamed vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Serving size | 573.8 grams (573.8g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1086 |
Total Fat 68.00g | 87% |
Saturated Fat 26.00g | 130% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g | |
Cholesterol 279mg | 93% |
Sodium 4219mg | 183% |
Total Carbohydrate 30.40g | 11% |
Dietary Fiber 0.80g | 3% |
Total Sugars 0.80g | |
Protein 94.50g | 189% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 98mg | 8% |
Iron 3mg | 14% |
Potassium 1607mg | 34% |
Source of Calories