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Garlic Butter Seared Scallops in plate

Garlic Butter Seared Scallops

These garlic butter seared scallops have a deep golden crust, tender centers, and a rich garlic butter sauce finished with fresh lemon. This restaurant-quality seafood dinner is ready in just 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 315
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large sea scallops, side muscle removed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes per side, until deeply golden. Avoid moving them too much while they cook so a crust can form.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Let the butter melt, then spoon it over the scallops.
  4. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, then spoon the garlic butter sauce over the scallops for about 30 seconds.
  5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat the scallops very dry before seasoning because surface moisture will cause them to steam instead of sear.
Do not crowd the skillet. Cook the scallops in batches if necessary so each one has enough space to brown.
Leave the scallops undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side to develop a golden crust.
Reduce the heat to medium before adding the garlic because it can burn quickly in hot butter.
Frozen scallops may be used, but they should be thawed completely in the refrigerator and dried thoroughly before cooking.
For a dairy-free version, substitute a plant-based butter alternative for the unsalted butter.