Lemon Butter Scallops (Print-Friendly Format)

Silky scallops finished with lemon and butter—elevate your next meal with this quick, elegant dish.

# Required Ingredients:

01 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
02 - 1 pound (450 g) sea scallops
03 - Kosher salt, to taste
04 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Lemon Butter Sauce

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 - Kosher salt, to taste
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

# How to Make It:

01 - Gently remove the small side muscle from the scallops, rinse under cold water, and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
02 - Season both sides of the scallops with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange scallops in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and translucent in the center. Transfer cooked scallops to a plate and keep warm.
04 - In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Arrange scallops on serving plates. Drizzle with lemon butter sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

# Additional Information:

01 - Ensure scallops are thoroughly dried before searing for optimal browning.
02 - Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook scallops in batches if required to maintain high heat and even browning.