Elevate your weeknight dinners with this elegant yet easy-to-make recipe for Scallops with Lemon and Capers. Perfectly seared sea scallops form a golden crust while remaining tender and juicy on the inside, creating a restaurant-quality dish in just 20 minutes. A luscious sauce made with butter, garlic, lemon juice, and briny capers beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the scallops. Fresh parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest add a vibrant, citrusy finish. Serve this flavorful dish over pasta, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a simple side of crusty bread to soak up the savory, tangy sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with fresh, bright flavors, this recipe is a guaranteed dinner favorite.
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the scallops to the pan in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the scallops and set them aside on a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Stir in the lemon juice, capers, and parsley. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Return the scallops to the pan and spoon the sauce over them to warm through, about 1 minute.
Sprinkle the scallops with lemon zest for a bright, fresh finish, then serve immediately with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta.
Calories |
1089 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.2 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.1 g | 131% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 279 mg | 93% | |
| Sodium | 5801 mg | 252% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.0 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 94.7 g | 189% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 109 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 1593 mg | 34% | |
*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.