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 sautΓ© 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 |
270 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.1 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.7 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 73 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 1491 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1.9 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 25.8 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 28 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 388 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.