Description
Savor the exquisite taste of Lemon Garlic Scallops, featuring tender, perfectly seared scallops in a vibrant lemon garlic sauce. This quick and elegant dish is ideal for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of fresh scallops (preferably dry-packed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Start by selecting fresh scallops. Preferably, use dry-packed scallops for better texture and flavor.
- Rinse the scallops under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Season the scallops generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor into the sauce.
- Zest the lemon carefully, then juice it, removing any seeds.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Place the scallops in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Sear for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Gently flip each scallop and cook for another 2-3 minutes until opaque and firm. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter, and once melted, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the seared scallops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Warm through for about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, optionally on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside a light salad. Drizzle with remaining sauce.
- Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pair with a crisp white wine and enjoy your delicious lemon garlic scallops!
Notes
- Ensure scallops are dry before searing for the best crust.
- Adjust the garlic and lemon to your taste preference.
- Pair with a light salad or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes