Scallops with Garlic Butter

5 from 1 vote

In this recipe, scallops are seared to perfection, creating a delicate caramelized crust while ensuring a tender and juicy center.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword Garlic Butter Sauce, Scallops

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings People

Calories 70kcal

½ cup Unsalted butter, softened The butter should be at room temperature to ensure easy blending with the other ingredients. Softened butter allows for a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the scallops beautifully.
4 cloves Garlic, minced The minced garlic adds a rich and aromatic flavor, while the lemon juice provides a hint of brightness to balance the richness of the butter.
1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper are used to season the sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Chopped parsley, for garnish (I used Chive blossoms) Finally, a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the finished dish.

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter to the pan, and let it heat up until it's shimmering and hot.
Carefully place the scallops in the hot pan, making sure they are evenly spaced and not touching each other. This ensures that they sear properly and develop a beautiful crust.
Allow the scallops to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, or until they develop a golden brown crust. Flip the scallops using a pair of tongs and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Once the scallops are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the pan and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil or moisture.
While the scallops are resting, add the prepared garlic butter sauce to the hot pan. Allow it to melt and bubble for a minute or two, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will infuse the sauce with the flavors of the pan and the scallops.
Pour the garlic butter sauce over the cooked scallops, making sure to coat each scallop evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Sear on Scallops

Achieving a perfect sear on scallops can be a bit tricky, but with these tips, you'll be able to create beautifully caramelized scallops every time:

Make sure the scallops are dry before cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, as moisture on the surface can prevent the scallops from achieving a nice caramelization.
Use a hot pan. Heat your skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it's hot and shimmering. This ensures that the scallops sear quickly and develop a golden crust without overcooking.
Don't overcrowd the pan. Make sure there's enough space between each scallop to allow for proper heat distribution. Overcrowding the pan can result in steamed scallops instead of seared ones.
Resist the urge to flip too soon. Let the scallops cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before flipping them. This allows a nice crust to form on one side. If you flip them too soon, the scallops may stick to the pan and not develop a desirable sear.
Use a timer. Timing is crucial when cooking scallops. Overcooking can result in rubbery and tough scallops, while undercooking can leave them raw in the center. Set a timer for each side to ensure perfectly cooked scallops.