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Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

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This Pan Seared Scallops recipe features tender sea scallops cooked to golden perfection in avocado oil, then bathed in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, this elegant and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick yet impressive seafood meal.

Ingredients

Seafood

  • 1 ½ pounds sea scallops

Oils and Fats

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Aromatics

  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced, about 1 tablespoon zest and 3 tablespoons juice)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the scallops: Pat your scallops dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect sear. Sprinkle them evenly with kosher salt to season.
  2. Sear the scallops: Heat the avocado oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the scallops in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd, and sear each side for 1½ to 2 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Remove the scallops and set aside; repeat with any remaining scallops.
  3. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and finely chopped parsley to the pan. Whisk gently until the sauce begins to lightly simmer and the butter is melted and combined.
  4. Finish scallops in sauce: Return the scallops to the pan, spooning the lemon garlic butter sauce over them to coat fully and warm through for about 1 minute.
  5. Serve: Plate the scallops and drizzle additional sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Drying scallops before searing is crucial to getting a golden crust.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing to ensure even cooking and proper caramelization.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright flavor in the sauce.
  • If scallops vary in size, adjust searing time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/pan-seared-scallops-with-lemon-garlic-butter-recipe/