#Excellent Example –
Experience the extravagance of gourmet seafood in an easy and quick recipe – Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops! The tenderness of the scallops combined with the burst of citrus, and a touch of garlic creates a rich and decadent dish perfect for any day.
### Why Make This Recipe
Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops is a fantastic recipe if you want to create a restaurant-grade dish right at home. With minimal ingredients and just around 18 minutes of cooking time, this dish is sure to impress with its burst of flavors and elegant presentation.
### How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand.
#### Ingredients
– 1 lb large sea scallops
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– Juice of 1 large lemon
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
#### Directions
1. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, and then stir in lemon juice.
4. Return scallops to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and cook for another minute. Garnish with fresh parsley.
5. Serve immediately, drizzling extra sauce from the pan over the scallops.
### How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
Serve this dish immediately while it’s hot. You can sprinkle extra sauce from the pan over the scallops for additional flavor. Pair it with pasta for a fulfilling meal or with a fresh salad for a lighter option.
### How to Store Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
Store these scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to enjoy again.
### Tips to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops
– Dry scallops thoroughly before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
– Don’t overcrowd the scallops in the pan during searing. It’s better to cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming them.
– Pay attention to when the butter begins to brown too much, as it can turn bitter quickly. Lower the heat if necessary.
### Variations
For a spicy kick, you can add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
### FAQs
#### Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Just make sure to defrost them properly and pat dry before cooking.
#### How will I know when the scallops are cooked?
Scallops cook quickly. Look for a golden brown crust on each side, and the center should be slightly translucent.
#### Can I substitute lemon with something else?
You can replace the lemon with a similar citrus like lime, but it may slightly alter the flavor of the dish.
Enjoy making this fancy yet easy Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops recipe, and don’t forget to savor each flavorful bite!