Garlic Butter Scallops Lemon Zest (Printable version)

Tender scallops cooked in garlic butter with a fresh touch of lemon zest and parsley.

# List of ingredients:

→ Seafood

01 - 1.1 lb sea scallops, patted dry

→ Aromatics & Seasoning

02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
04 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
05 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Finish

07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

# Directions:

01 - Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
02 - Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foaming.
03 - Add scallops in a single layer without overcrowding and sear for 2 minutes without moving until golden crust forms.
04 - Turn scallops over, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic, sear 1 to 2 more minutes while basting with melted butter.
05 - Remove skillet from heat, add lemon juice and zest, swirling gently to combine.
06 - Transfer scallops to serving plates, spoon pan sauce over, garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon zest if desired; serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under 20 minutes with flavor that tastes like you've been cooking all afternoon.
  • Naturally gluten-free and elegant enough for dinner guests, casual enough for a Wednesday night.
  • The buttery garlic sauce pools on your plate and begs to be soaked up with crusty bread.
02 -
  • Overcrowding the pan is the quickest way to steam your scallops instead of searing them; give them room to brown properly.
  • Don't press down on the scallops while they cook; let the heat do the work and they'll release naturally when the crust is ready.
  • Scallops cook fast enough that you should have everything else prepped and plates ready before you hit the pan.
03 -
  • Toast your parsley lightly with a touch of garlic in a separate pan for a more sophisticated garnish.
  • A squeeze of orange zest alongside the lemon adds unexpected depth without changing the character of the dish.

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