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Quick Garlic Butter Scallops

A fast and elegant dish featuring pan-seared sea scallops in a fragrant garlic, lemon, and butter sauce.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Seafood
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb large sea scallops side muscle removed
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped

Equipment

  • Large stainless steel skillet
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels until the surface feels tacky.
  2. Remove the tough side muscle from each scallop if still attached.
  3. Season both sides of the scallops evenly with sea salt and black pepper.
  4. Place a large stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot pan.
  6. Place scallops in the pan without overcrowding and cook for 2 minutes undisturbed to develop a golden-brown crust.
  7. Flip the scallops carefully and cook for an additional 90 seconds until opaque.
  8. Reduce heat to low, add remaining butter and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant.
  9. Pour the lemon juice over the scallops and tilt the pan to coat.
  10. Remove from heat immediately and serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Dry scallops thoroughly for the best sear. Best served immediately; not recommended for freezing.