Go Back
To make buttery lemon garlic scallops, you'll need these key ingredients: - 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a bright and rich dish. The scallops are the star. Drying them well helps achieve a nice sear. You might want to try these optional ingredients to enhance your dish: - A splash of white wine for depth - Red pepper flakes for heat - A pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness Adding these can change the flavor profile. Feel free to experiment! To cook your scallops effectively, gather these tools: - A large skillet, preferably non-stick - A spatula for flipping - Paper towels for drying scallops - A zester for the lemon - A sharp knife for mincing garlic Using the right tools makes cooking easier. It ensures you get the best results. Happy cooking! Start by drying the scallops. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This step helps create a nice sear. Ensure they are dry all over. Next, sprinkle a little salt and pepper on each scallop. This will boost the flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt until it foams and turns slightly brown. This gives the scallops a rich taste. Place the scallops in the pan. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving space between each. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes. Look for a golden crust. After that, flip the scallops carefully. Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and the remaining butter. Cook for another 2 minutes. Baste the scallops with the melted butter and garlic. This infuses them with flavor. Remove the scallops from the pan. Place them on a serving plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. This adds brightness and zest. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic touch. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley. This gives a nice pop of color. Enjoy your beautifully cooked scallops! To get a nice sear on your scallops, start by drying them well. Use paper towels to remove moisture. Moisture prevents a good crust. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. A hot pan is key. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and wait until it foams and turns slightly brown. This step adds flavor. Place the scallops in a single layer. Make sure they don’t touch. This helps them cook evenly. Scallops cook fast. Watch them closely. Sear for 2-3 minutes on one side. Look for a golden crust. When you flip them, add minced garlic and lemon zest. Cook for another 2 minutes. When they are opaque, they’re ready. Remove them quickly. Overcooked scallops become rubbery. Keep an eye on the time. Enhance the flavor by adding herbs. Fresh thyme works well. You can also use a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens the dish. For sides, consider a fresh salad or buttery mashed potatoes. These pair nicely. You could add a splash of white wine to the pan. It adds depth and richness. A sprinkle of chopped parsley gives color and freshness. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your buttery lemon garlic scallops with different seasonings. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh dill or basil can offer a fresh twist, too. For a smoky touch, use smoked paprika. You can also add a splash of white wine while cooking. This adds depth and a hint of acidity that pairs well with scallops. Buttery lemon garlic scallops shine when served with light sides. A fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the scallops nicely. For a heartier option, buttery mashed potatoes are a great choice. You could also serve them with steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach. These sides provide balance and enhance the meal's flavors. Experimenting with sauces can elevate your scallops. A creamy garlic sauce adds richness. To make it, simply mix heavy cream with garlic and a squeeze of lemon. A tangy mango salsa can brighten up your dish, adding sweetness and acidity. For a classic touch, serve the scallops with a beurre blanc sauce, which is rich and buttery. Each sauce brings a unique flair to the dish. To keep your leftover scallops fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to store them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to two days. If you notice any strange smell or change in color, do not eat them. Always trust your senses. Reheating scallops can be tricky. You want to keep them tender and juicy. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat a little butter over medium heat. Add the scallops and cook for about one minute on each side. This will help them regain some of their flavor. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them rubbery. Freezing scallops is an option if you want to save them for later. First, make sure they are completely dry. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to use them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. You can serve Buttery Lemon Garlic Scallops with a few tasty sides. Fresh salad pairs well, adding a crisp touch. Buttery mashed potatoes create a rich, creamy contrast. You might also enjoy serving them with garlic bread to soak up the yummy sauce. For a light option, steamed asparagus or green beans add color and flavor. Feel free to mix and match these sides based on your taste. Scallops cook quickly. They are done when they turn golden brown on the outside. The inside should be opaque and firm, not rubbery. A good rule is to cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. If you see a nice crust, it’s time to flip them. Trust your eyes and your nose; they should smell divine when ready! Yes, you can use frozen scallops. However, you should thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quicker thawing. After thawing, pat them dry to get a good sear. Frozen scallops may not have the same fresh taste, but they can still be delicious if cooked properly. This blog post explored how to make Buttery Lemon Garlic Scallops. We discussed essential ingredients and helpful kitchen tools. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare and cook scallops just right. I shared tips to avoid overcooking and enhance flavors. Variations and storage tips help you keep leftovers fresh. Overall, these scallops are simple yet tasty. With practice, you’ll impress anyone at dinner. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Buttery Lemon Garlic Scallops

Indulge in a gourmet experience at home with these buttery lemon garlic scallops! This quick and easy recipe transforms fresh sea scallops into a delightful dish, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner. Discover the secrets to achieving that perfect sear while infusing rich flavors of garlic and lemon. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your culinary skills today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound sea scallops, patted dry

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Scallops: Ensure scallops are thoroughly dried with paper towels to achieve a good sear. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.

    Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until it foams and is slightly browned.

      Sear the Scallops: Place the scallops in the pan in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they form a golden crust.

        Flip and Flavor: Carefully flip the scallops over and add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and remaining butter to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes, basting the scallops with the melted butter and garlic.

          Add Lemon Juice: Once cooked, remove the scallops from the pan and place them on a serving plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.

            Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as a fresh salad or buttery mashed potatoes.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 2 servings