Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops

November 15, 2018 by Beth Pierce 110 Comments

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These scrumptious Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops are honestly the best way to prepare scallops with perfectly seared scallops in a buttery lemon garlic sauce. I have tried other ways and they are good but no comparison to the flavor of these delicacies. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you can too cook this dish like a head chef.

Being born in Missouri it seems hard to believe that I was brought up on seafood. My family traveled frequently (did I mention how blessed I am) and I was introduced to some AMAZING seafood at an early age. Mahi Mahi, bonefish, kingfish, marlin, tuna, and snapper are all tasty fish that I was fortunate enough to partake in. Tasty and tender scallops, shrimp, frog legs, and clams were a common treat from southern Florida. Great seafood was a way of life for me and my siblings. It is no wonder that these gorgeous Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops have found their way onto my blog. Not only are they beautiful but they taste like a little bit of heaven. Do you like seafood? Have you ever tried scallops?

What is a scallop?

Scallops are found in saltwater environments. They are free-swimming mollusks that live in hinged shells. There are two different types of scallops and most people have an opinion on which tastes best but I like both. The larger ones are Atlantic sea scallops. They are found in shallow open waters and are harvested wild. The small bay scallops are found in the seagrass beds of harbors and bays along the Atlantic coastal waters.

How to sear scallops

First and foremost make sure that the sea scallops are good and dry. Pat dry with paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt right before searing. Use a mixture of oil and butter and get it good and hot, almost to the smoking point. Then add the scallops and sear for 1 1/2 – 2 minutes on the bottom then flip and sear the other side. They should have a golden brown crust on each side. Do not overcrowd the pan so if it is necessary work in batches.

How to make Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops

First, sear the scallops. Please see above on How to sear scallops. Wipe out the skillet that you used to sear the scallops. Then add butter to the skillet over low heat. Next, add the garlic and cook for about one minute. Add a little bit of lemon juice and return the scallops to the pan. Warm scallops for a minute turning several times to get them in the lemon butter. Sprinkle with parsley, salt, and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Helpful tips for cooking scallops

If using frozen scallops they should be completely thawed. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of ice-cold water just until thawed.
Let scallops rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.
Work with dry scallops. Dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Scallops cook very quickly and become tough and chewy if overcooked.
Scallops become opaque when cooked through

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