Description
Deliciously tender pan seared sea scallops cooked to golden perfection and bathed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright and flavorful seafood dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scallops
- 1 ½ pounds sea scallops
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 1 tablespoon zest and 3 tablespoons juice)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the scallops: Pat your sea scallops dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure a good sear, then sprinkle both sides evenly with kosher salt for seasoning.
- Sear the scallops: Heat avocado oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering hot. Carefully place scallops in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Sear each scallop for about 1 ½ to 2 minutes on each side, forming a beautiful golden crust, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with any remaining scallops if necessary.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. To the same pan, add butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley. Whisk these ingredients together in the pan until the sauce just begins to simmer gently and the garlic is fragrant, allowing all flavors to meld.
- Finish scallops in sauce: Return the scallops to the pan with the sauce and spoon the buttery lemon garlic sauce over them to coat and warm through for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Serve: Plate the scallops and drizzle any extra pan sauce over them. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure scallops are dry before searing for a perfect crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even searing.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
- This dish cooks quickly, so prepare all ingredients beforehand.
- Serve immediately to enjoy scallops at their tender best.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
