Description
Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops showcase oceanic elegance with golden-crusted medallions kissed by fragrant garlic. Delicate seafood meets rich butter in this simple yet sophisticated French-inspired dish promising restaurant-quality flavor that will dazzle dinner guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 g) sea scallops
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) black pepper
- 2 teaspoons (10 g) garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium lemon (juice of half, slice remaining half)
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot fresh scallops using clean paper towels, ensuring surfaces are completely moisture-free. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Preheat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add extra virgin olive oil, creating a uniform coating across the pan’s surface.
- Carefully place seasoned scallops into the hot skillet, allowing each piece adequate space. Sear for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, developing a rich golden-brown crust while maintaining a tender interior.
- Transfer perfectly seared scallops to a clean serving plate, keeping them warm and preserving their delicate texture.
- In the same skillet, melt of butter with olive oil and sea salt, creating a luxurious base. Immediately add minced fresh garlic, stirring continuously for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice from half a citrus fruit directly into the butter-garlic mixture, creating a vibrant pan sauce.
- Gently return seared scallops to the skillet, coating them with the fragrant lemon-garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for added color and brightness.
- Plate the scallops over prepared linguine or your preferred pasta, garnishing with additional lemon wedges for guests to customize their dish.
Notes
- Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best sear and avoid watery, pre-treated scallops that won’t develop a golden-brown crust.
- Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel to create even, high heat for perfect golden-brown edges.
- Cook scallops for precisely 2-3 minutes per side to maintain their delicate, tender texture without becoming rubbery.
- Add fresh garlic and lemon juice at the end to brighten the rich, buttery flavor without overwhelming the scallops’ natural sweetness.
- Serve immediately over warm pasta or with a side of roasted vegetables to complement the seafood’s delicate taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg