Quick & Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe for Dinner

Succulent scallops bathed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce promise a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Seafood enthusiasts know these delicate morsels can elevate any dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.

Butter melts into a golden pool, creating a luxurious coating for each perfectly seared scallop.

Rich flavors blend seamlessly, offering a symphony of marine freshness and aromatic herbs.

You’ll be amazed how quickly this elegant dish comes together with minimal ingredients.

Crisp white wine pairs wonderfully, adding depth to the bright, citrusy notes.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new go-to for impressing dinner companions without hours of complicated preparation.

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Highlights

• Quick Culinary Triumph: Master a restaurant-quality seafood dish with minimal cooking skills, perfect for home chefs wanting to impress without complex techniques.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable recipe that pairs beautifully with multiple side dishes like rice, pasta, or vegetables, making meal planning a breeze for busy families.
• Gourmet Flavor Explosion: Combines zesty lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic to transform simple scallops into a sophisticated meal that tastes like a high-end restaurant creation.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Requires only a few common pantry staples and fresh scallops, enabling anyone to create a delectable seafood experience without extensive shopping or preparation.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

• Scallops: Fresh sea scallops that are sweet, tender, and perfect for quick searing.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Olive oil creates a perfect sear while butter adds rich, creamy flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that highlight the natural sweetness of scallops.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a deep, savory undertone to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy element that cuts through the richness and adds freshness.

• White Wine or Broth: Helps create a delicate pan sauce and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a light, herbal note to finish the dish.

• Rice, Pasta, Garlic Bread, Steamed Vegetables: Versatile accompaniments that complement the scallops.

Cooking Steps for Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Step 1: Prepare Scallops

Rescue your scallops from frozen state by thawing them gently in cold water.

Look for and remove any side muscle still attached.

Grab paper towels and thoroughly dry each scallop, ensuring a crispy golden exterior during cooking.

Step 2: Create Sizzling Sear

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature until the surface shimmers with heat.

Carefully place scallops in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.

This prevents steaming and promotes beautiful caramelization.

Step 3: Season and Brown

Sprinkle salt and pepper across scallops.

Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust develops underneath.

Flip each scallop and cook an additional 2 minutes until they transform into crispy, lightly browned delights.

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Sauce

Melt butter in the same pan, capturing all those delicious browned scallop remnants.

Introduce minced garlic and let it dance in the butter until fragrant.

Step 5: Deglaze and Enhance

Pour wine or broth into the skillet, creating a simmering liquid.

Let it reduce by half, concentrating those incredible flavors.

Swirl in remaining butter and fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Step 6: Reunite and Finish

Remove pan from heat.

Gently return scallops to the sauce, allowing them to warm through.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a final touch of color and freshness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Fluffy rice.
• Al dente pasta.
• Crispy garlic bread.
• Steamed vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or zucchini noodles.

Pro Tips for Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

• Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels to achieve a golden, crispy exterior when searing.
• Cook scallops in a single layer without touching each other to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Cook scallops for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat to create a beautiful golden crust while maintaining a tender interior.
• Simmer wine or broth until reduced by half to concentrate flavors and create a delicious pan sauce that complements the scallops.
• Warm scallops briefly in the sauce just before serving to maintain their delicate texture and prevent overcooking.

Flavor Variations for Lemon Garlic Scallops

• Spicy Scallop Sensation: Replace lemon juice with hot sauce and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick that transforms the dish into a zesty seafood experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Medley: Swap olive oil with extra virgin olive oil, add fresh oregano and thyme, and use white wine vinegar instead of wine for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Scallops: Substitute butter with coconut oil and add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, lactose-free alternative that maintains rich flavor and silky texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Skip traditional rice or pasta and serve scallops over roasted cauliflower rice or steamed cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly and nutritious option.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Garlic Scallops

• Elegant Date Night Centerpiece: Create a romantic dinner setting with candlelight, soft music, and these succulent scallops plated on white dishes for an impressive main course.
• Seafood Feast Companion: Pair the scallops with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the delicate seafood flavors and complement the lemony sauce.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Serve alongside a light quinoa salad or mixed green salad to boost nutritional value and add fresh, vibrant textures that balance the rich buttery scallops.
• Versatile Weeknight Meal Hack: Transform leftovers into a quick lunch by chopping scallops and tossing them into a fresh salad or wrapping in a tortilla for a gourmet midday treat.

Storage Tips for Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

• Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Cover the scallops with the remaining sauce to keep them moist and prevent drying out.
• Not recommended, as scallops lose their delicate texture and become rubbery when frozen and reheated. Fresh scallops are best enjoyed immediately after cooking.
• Warm gently in 15-second intervals to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture and prevent toughening. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Quickly reheat in a hot skillet with a small amount of butter or olive oil for 1-2 minutes. This method helps restore the original crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

FAQs

• How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown crust and opaque white color. They should be slightly firm but still tender, taking only 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.

• Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely in cold water and pat very dry before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of getting a good sear, so ensure scallops are as dry as possible.

• What type of pan works best for cooking scallops?

A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron skillet works best. These pans provide even heat distribution and help create that perfect golden crust.

• Why is it important to not overcrowd the pan when cooking scallops?

Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature and prevents proper searing.

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter scallops bring coastal elegance to dinner tables with minimal effort. Silky seafood sings with zesty Mediterranean flavors, promising restaurant-quality magic that you can easily craft in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 1/4 pounds (600 grams) scallops

Fats and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4–5 large garlic cloves (or 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Defrost frozen scallops in cold water, carefully remove side muscle, and meticulously dry with paper towels to ensure crisp searing.
2. Preheat large skillet to medium-high heat with olive oil until it shimmers, creating an ideal cooking surface for scallops.
3. Arrange scallops in a single layer, avoiding pan overcrowding, and season with salt and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops.
4. Flip scallops and cook an additional 2 minutes, ensuring they turn opaque and achieve a light, crispy exterior. Transfer to a separate plate.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter and scrape up caramelized scallop remnants. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, approximately 1 minute.
6. Deglaze pan with wine or broth, simmering for 2 minutes until liquid reduces by half. Incorporate remaining butter and fresh lemon juice.
7. Remove skillet from heat, gently return scallops to warm through, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
8. Plate over preferred accompaniments like rice, pasta, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete, elegant meal.

Notes

• Ensure scallops are patted completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Use a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet for the best caramelization and flavor development when cooking scallops.
• For gluten-free option, replace wine with chicken broth or white grape juice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high heat and create a crispy exterior, which is crucial for restaurant-quality scallops.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 188 kcal
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg