Description
Enjoy restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Scallops made easily at home. This recipe guides you through searing scallops to golden perfection and finishing them with a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce for a delightful seafood experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large sea scallops, patted very dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Ensure your scallops are completely dry by patting them with paper towels. This is key for a good sear.
- Season the scallops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and shimmering.
- Carefully place the scallops in the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are opaque throughout. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Return the seared scallops to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use dry-packed scallops. If your scallops are wet-packed, rinse them and pat them very dry.
- Do not overcook the scallops, as they can become tough.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 scallops
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg