Lemon Butter Seared Scallops (Printable view)

Sea scallops cooked to golden with a fresh lemon butter sauce and parsley garnish.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound large sea scallops, patted dry

→ Sauce

02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - Zest of 1 lemon
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
07 - 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

10 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How To Make:

01 - Pat scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
03 - Add scallops in a single layer without crowding; cook in batches if necessary. Sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until just opaque. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Pour in the wine or broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until slightly reduced.
06 - Return scallops and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the scallops and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
07 - Transfer to serving plates immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Restaurant-quality results with simple techniques
  • Light and fresh with bright lemon flavor perfect for spring
  • Naturally pescatarian and gluten-free
  • Impressive presentation for guests or special occasions
  • Minimal cleanup with just one skillet needed
02 -
  • Buy dry-packed scallops rather than wet-packed for better searing and flavor
  • Let scallops come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking
  • Use a stainless steel or cast iron skillet for the best sear
  • Don't skip the step of scraping up browned bits—they add incredible flavor to the sauce
  • Cook scallops to an internal temperature of 115-120°F for perfect doneness
  • Zest the lemon before juicing for easier preparation
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