Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: lemon butter scallops! The moment those tender, juicy scallops hit the pan, and that zesty, buttery aroma starts wafting through the kitchen—it’s pure magic! I remember the first time I made them; I was hosting a dinner party and wanted to impress my friends. I was a bit nervous, but they turned out to be the star of the evening! Everyone couldn’t stop raving about how fresh and flavorful they were.
What I love about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is. Seriously, you can whip up these lemon butter scallops in just about 20 minutes! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish right at home. The bright lemon complements the sweet scallops perfectly, and the butter brings it all together in a way that feels indulgent yet light. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a go-to for special occasions—or even a cozy weeknight dinner! Let’s dive in and make some magic happen!
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Prepare Lemon Butter Scallops
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these delightful lemon butter scallops! Don’t worry; it’s super simple and totally foolproof. Follow these steps, and you’ll be serving up a dish that’ll impress everyone at the table!
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
First things first, grab your trusty skillet! Heat up 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want that butter to melt and start bubbling a bit—this is where the magic begins!
Step 2: Season the Scallops
While your skillet is heating up, take those beautiful scallops and season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! A good sprinkle on both sides will help enhance their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the Scallops
Once the skillet is nice and hot, it’s time to add the scallops! Carefully place them in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and beautifully caramelized. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan!
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
After you’ve cooked the scallops to perfection, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then, squeeze in the lemon juice, add the zest, and throw in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir it all together until the butter melts and you have a luscious sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Last but definitely not least, return the scallops to the skillet, and gently coat them in the heavenly lemon butter sauce. Let them soak up that zesty goodness for a minute or two. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your guests will be absolutely thrilled!
Nutritional Information
You’re probably wondering about the nutritional side of these amazing lemon butter scallops! Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Fiber: 0g
With a dish this delicious, it’s great to know you’re also keeping it light and healthy! Perfect for a satisfying meal without the guilt. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Deliciously zesty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet scallops.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up any night of the week.
- Healthy option with low fat and high protein content.
- Impressive enough for dinner parties, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
- The lemon butter sauce is versatile—perfect for drizzling over pasta or rice!
- Light and refreshing, making it a great choice for warmer weather.
- Garnished with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk tips! I want you to hit it out of the park with these lemon butter scallops, so here are some of my best tricks to ensure they turn out absolutely perfect every time:
- Use Fresh Scallops: Trust me, fresh scallops make all the difference! If you can, go for scallops that are still in their shells, but if not, buy them from a reputable source. Frozen scallops can work, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each scallop enough space in the skillet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of sear, and you won’t get that lovely golden crust!
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the scallops. This helps achieve that beautiful caramelization. You can test the heat by flicking a little water into the pan—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Be Gentle with the Sauce: When you add the scallops back into the skillet, be gentle. You don’t want to break them apart; just swirl them around to coat them in that delicious lemon butter sauce.
- Adjust the Lemon to Your Taste: Everyone has different preferences when it comes to acidity. Start with the juice of one lemon and taste the sauce before adding more. You can always add more lemon juice, but you can’t take it out!
- Garnish with Flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor. You can also experiment with other herbs like chives or dill for a fun twist!
- Pair it Right: Think about what you’re serving these scallops with. They’re fantastic over a bed of creamy risotto, tossed with pasta, or even served alongside a fresh salad. The right pairing can elevate the whole meal!
- Enjoy the Process: Cooking is all about having fun and experimenting! Don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly. Each time you make these lemon butter scallops, you’ll get a little better and learn what you like best. Enjoy every step!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a lemon butter scallop pro in no time! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these mouthwatering lemon butter scallops, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to make your meal truly unforgettable! The right sides can really elevate the dish and create a well-rounded dining experience.
- Creamy Risotto: There’s something magical about pairing these scallops with a rich and creamy risotto. The buttery flavor of the risotto complements the lemon butter sauce beautifully, and it makes for a luxurious meal!
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: If you’re in the mood for comfort food, serve your scallops over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes. The creaminess of the potatoes will soak up that zesty sauce, and trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad is a fantastic way to balance the richness of the scallops. Think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. It adds a nice crunch and keeps things vibrant!
- Pasta: Toss some cooked pasta in the lemon butter sauce for a delightful twist! Linguine or fettuccine works wonderfully. You can also add some fresh veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Steamed Asparagus: For a touch of elegance, serve your scallops with some steamed asparagus. The bright green color and slight crunch will contrast beautifully with the tender scallops.
- Quinoa or Farro: If you’re looking for something a bit healthier, consider quinoa or farro. These grains are nutty and chewy, providing a hearty base that pairs wonderfully with the scallops and sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget about a good loaf of crusty bread! It’s perfect for sopping up that delicious lemon butter sauce. Trust me, you’ll want every last drop!
With these serving suggestions, your lemon butter scallops will steal the show at any meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends—happy feasting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these incredible lemon butter scallops and have some leftovers? Lucky you! But let’s make sure they stay just as delicious for your next meal. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly so you don’t lose any of that amazing flavor!
First off, let the scallops cool down to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation in the container, which can make them a little soggy. Once cooled, transfer the scallops into an airtight container. You can also pour any leftover lemon butter sauce over them to keep them moist and flavorful.
Store your scallops in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you think you won’t eat them within that time, consider freezing them! Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Now, when it’s time to reheat, you want to be gentle to avoid overcooking those beautiful scallops. If they’re frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a little bit of the lemon butter sauce to help keep them moist while warming through. Stir occasionally and heat just until they’re warmed up—this should only take a few minutes.
Alternatively, you can microwave them, but be careful! Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking in between to make sure they don’t get rubbery. Trust me, you want to keep that tender texture!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your lemon butter scallops again without any compromise on taste! Happy eating!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken or Seafood Paella for a delightful twist on seafood dishes!
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Lemon Butter Scallops: 5 Steps to Culinary Delight
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious dish featuring tender scallops cooked in a zesty lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season scallops with salt and pepper.
- Add scallops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove scallops and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add lemon juice, zest, and remaining butter to the skillet.
- Stir until butter is melted and sauce is combined.
- Return scallops to the skillet and coat with sauce.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh scallops for best flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice to your taste.
- Serve with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: lemon butter scallops
