Achieve restaurant-quality elegance in your own kitchen with this Pan Seared Scallops recipe, the epitome of simplicity and sophistication. Tender sea scallops are perfectly seared to create a golden, crispy crust while remaining juicy and flavorful inside. Infused with the rich aroma of garlic-butter and brightened with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice, these scallops are a quick, gourmet treat ready in just 18 minutes! Perfect for a romantic dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish pairs beautifully with a light salad, creamy risotto, or roasted vegetables. With easy-to-follow steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll master the art of searing scallops like a pro.
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Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Remove the small, tough side muscle from each scallop, if still attached.
Season both sides of the scallops with salt and black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to shimmer but not smoke.
Place the scallops in the pan in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Sear them undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and forms a crust.
Flip the scallops carefully using tongs or a spatula. Add the butter to the pan along with the minced garlic. Sear for an additional 2-3 minutes, while basting the scallops with the melted butter.
Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside on a plate. Turn off the heat and deglaze the pan by adding lemon juice, stirring it into the browned bits left in the skillet to create a light sauce.
Serve the scallops immediately, drizzling the lemon-butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Calories |
240 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.5 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1000 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.0 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.1 g | ||
| Protein | 23.6 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 14 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 386 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.