Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Herb Butter Sauce
Elevate your dinner table with the irresistible elegance of Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Herb Butter Sauce. This quick yet sophisticated dish highlights the natural sweetness of tender sea scallops, perfectly seared to golden perfection in a hot skillet. A luscious herb butter sauce, featuring fragrant garlic, zesty lemon juice, fresh parsley, and thyme, adds a burst of vibrant flavor, while a splash of optional white wine brings subtle complexity. With just 20 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is a perfect choice for both weeknight indulgences and special occasions. Serve these buttery, aromatic scallops alongside a crisp salad, creamy risotto, or roasted vegetables, and watch your guests marvel at this restaurant-quality meal! Keywords: pan seared scallops, herb butter sauce, scallop recipes, quick dinner recipes, seafood recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons white wine (optional)
Instructions
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides of the scallops with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Place the scallops in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until they develop a golden crust, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt and foam slightly before adding the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
If using, pour in the white wine and let it reduce for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and thyme. Cook for another minute to combine all the flavors.
Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the herb butter sauce over them. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm the scallops through.
Remove from the heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1212 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.0 g | 103% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.0 g | 165% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 310 mg | 103% | |
| Sodium | 5402 mg | 235% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.4 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 94.6 g | 189% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 113 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 1648 mg | 35% | |
*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.
