If you love seafood, this easy seared lemon butter scallops recipe is a must-try! 🦪✨ In just 10 minutes, you’ll have perfectly golden scallops coated in a rich, garlicky lemon butter sauce.
This dish is quick, foolproof, and bursting with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant date night. Whether you're new to cooking scallops or a seafood lover looking for the best way to get that golden sear, this recipe has you covered!
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making restaurant-quality scallops at home.
By the way, we used a stunning Zwilling Marquina Aluminum Fry Pan to get such gorgeous color on the scallops - the non-stick capabilities are like no other pan! Serve this delicious dish with a light pasta dish for a dinner you'll want to make again and again.
Ingredients:
(serves 2-3)
For the scallops:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound scallops (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
For the lemon butter sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions: How to Make Lemon Butter Scallops
1️⃣ Prepare the Scallops: Remove the small muscle, rinse, and pat dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear.
2️⃣ Season & Sear: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Season scallops with salt & pepper and place them in a single layer in the pan.
3️⃣ Flip Once: Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Spoon butter over scallops as they cook. Set aside.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce: Melt 2 tbsp butter, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5️⃣ Serve: Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the scallops and garnish with parsley.
🔹 Pro Tips for Perfectly Seared Scallops
- Pat Dry First – Moisture prevents a golden crust.
- Use a Hot Pan – Medium-high heat ensures even caramelization.
- Don’t Overcrowd – Give them space in the pan to cook evenly.
- Flip Once – Avoid over-flipping for the best crust.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Scallops
These scallops pair well with:
- Garlic Butter Pasta 🍝
- Lemon Herb Rice 🍋
- Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans 🥦
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Scallops recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for a fancy dinner at home. If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let us know what you think!
📌 More Seafood Recipes to Try:
