Lemon Butter Scallops Dish is a culinary delight that brings the taste of the ocean right to your dining table. This exquisite recipe combines the delicate sweetness of scallops with the zesty brightness of lemon and the rich creaminess of butter, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the palate. Historically, scallops have been a prized seafood delicacy, often associated with coastal regions where they are harvested fresh. Their tender texture and subtle flavor make them a favorite among seafood lovers, and when paired with a luscious lemon butter sauce, they become an irresistible treat.
People adore the Lemon Butter Scallops Dish not only for its incredible taste but also for its convenience. This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of the buttery sauce and the bright citrus notes elevates the scallops, transforming a simple meal into a gourmet experience. Whether served over a bed of pasta, alongside a fresh salad, or simply on their own, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy any seafood enthusiast.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Preparing the Scallops
- Start by ensuring your scallops are completely dry. Use paper towels to pat them down thoroughly. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a nice sear on the scallops.
- Season the scallops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance their natural flavor and help create a delicious crust when cooked.
Making the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Set aside. This mixture will be added to the scallops later to create a bright and tangy sauce.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Let it melt completely, swirling the pan to combine it with the olive oil. This combination of fats will help prevent the butter from burning.
Cooking the Scallops
- Once the butter is melted and bubbling, carefully add the scallops to the skillet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches if your skillet is small.
- Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them. This will allow a golden crust to form. You can tell they are ready to flip when they release easily from the pan.
- Using tongs, gently flip each scallop over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. The scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch when done. Remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Finishing the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Pour the lemon juice and zest mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and any browned bits left from the scallops. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.
- After the sauce has reduced, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Assembling the Dish
- Return the cooked scallops to the skillet, gently tossing them in the lemon butter sauce to coat evenly. Allow them to warm through for about 1 minute.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the scallops for a burst of color and flavor.
- To serve, plate the scallops and drizzle the lemon butter sauce generously over the top. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- This lemon butter scallops dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of creamy risotto or alongside garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- For a lighter option, serve the scallops with steamed asparagus or a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
- A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors of the dish perfectly.
Tips for Perfect Scallops
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- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- 1 pound of sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
- Start by ensuring your scallops are completely dry. Use paper towels to pat them down thoroughly. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a nice sear on the scallops.
- Season the scallops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance their natural flavor and help create a delicious crust when cooked.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Set aside. This mixture will be added to the scallops later to create a bright and tangy sauce.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Let it melt completely, swirling the pan to combine it with the olive oil. This combination of fats will help prevent the butter from burning.
- Once the butter is melted and bubbling, carefully add the scallops to the skillet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches if your skillet is small.
- Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them. This will allow a golden crust to form. You can tell they are ready to flip when they release easily from the pan.
- Using tongs, gently flip each scallop over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. The scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch when done. Remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Pour the lemon juice and zest mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and any browned bits left from the scallops. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.
- After the sauce has reduced, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Return the cooked scallops to the skillet, gently tossing them in the lemon butter sauce to coat evenly. Allow them to warm through for about 1 minute.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the scallops for a burst of color and flavor.
- To serve, plate the scallops and drizzle the lemon butter sauce generously over the top. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
- This lemon butter scallops dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of creamy risotto or alongside garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- For a lighter option, serve the scallops with steamed asparagus or a salad.
- Der Teig darf während der Ruhezeit nicht bewegt werden.
- Für ein intensiveres Knoblaucharoma können mehr Zehen verwendet werden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes

Conclusion:
In summary, this Lemon Butter Scallops dish is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary repertoire with a quick yet impressive meal. The delicate sweetness of the scallops perfectly complements the zesty brightness of the lemon and the richness of the butter, creating a harmonious balance that is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner for two or hosting a gathering with friends, this dish is versatile enough to shine on any table. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Lemon Butter Scallops with a light arugula salad drizzled with a simple vinaigrette, or serve them over a bed of creamy risotto for a more indulgent experience. You can also experiment with variations by adding a splash of white wine for an extra layer of flavor or incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the dish’s freshness. We encourage you to try this Lemon Butter Scallops recipe and share your experience with us! Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, we would love to hear how it turned out. Dont forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media, as we cant wait to see your delicious creations! Happy cooking! Print
Lemon Butter Scallops Dish: A Delicious Recipe for Seafood Lovers
Description
fresh garden salad. This elegant seafood dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home, offering a delightful balance of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.