Easy Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe
Garlic Butter Scallops are a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. These scallops are seared to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the scallops.
With this recipe, you can expect perfectly seared scallops that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, all coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The combination of the caramelized crust on the scallops and the rich, garlicky butter sauce creates a delightful and luxurious taste experience. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and impressive dinners.
Tools to Use
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving plates
Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops:
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Scallops:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the scallops in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Do not move them around too much to ensure a good sear.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Once the scallops are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Let it melt and then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice and cook for another minute.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them, allowing them to heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
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Easy Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving plates
Ingredients
- 1 lb sea scallops patted dry
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops:
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Scallops:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the scallops in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Do not move them around too much to ensure a good sear.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Once the scallops are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Let it melt and then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice and cook for another minute.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them, allowing them to heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for Cooking
- Pat Dry: Make sure the scallops are completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- High Heat: Ensure the skillet is very hot before adding the scallops to get a nice sear.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the scallops in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause them to steam instead of sear.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Scallops recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s quick and easy to prepare, yet it delivers a rich and sophisticated flavor that’s sure to impress. The combination of perfectly seared scallops and a savory garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for a special occasion, these Garlic Butter Scallops are the perfect choice. With their tender texture and rich flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy this delicious and elegant meal that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat!
