Elevate your dinner table with the refined flavors of Scallops with Crumb Topping Herb Butter and Arugula, a dish that’s as elegant as it is easy to prepare. Perfectly seared sea scallops take center stage, boasting a golden crust and tender interior, while a savory crumb topping made with toasted panko, garlic, fresh parsley, chives, and lemon zest adds irresistible crunch and aromatic depth. To complement the scallops, a splash of silky lemon herb butter ties the dish together, layered over a fresh bed of peppery baby arugula for balance and brightness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe delivers gourmet flair with minimal effort—ideal for a romantic dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Keywords: seared scallops, herb butter sauce, panko crumb topping, arugula salad recipe.
Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Set aside.
In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and stir frequently until golden and toasted, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl.
Finely chop 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon of fresh chives. Stir them into the toasted breadcrumbs along with the lemon zest. Mix well and set aside for topping.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the scallops to the pan in a single layer without crowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt, then squeeze in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Stir and remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, toss the baby arugula with a pinch of salt, a drizzle of olive oil, and a small squeeze of lemon juice.
To plate, divide the arugula among four plates. Place 3 scallops on top of the arugula on each plate. Generously sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the scallops. Drizzle a little of the lemon butter sauce from the skillet over each plate for extra flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant yet simple dish!
Calories |
1306 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.7 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.0 g | 165% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 272 mg | 91% | |
| Sodium | 5144 mg | 224% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.3 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.7 g | ||
| Protein | 85.2 g | 170% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 282 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 1708 mg | 36% | |
*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.