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- 1 pound large sea scallops, thoroughly patted dry - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 large lemon - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Optional: Thin lemon slices for elegant garnish When I cook lemon butter scallops, I always start with fresh, large sea scallops. The key is to pat them dry; this helps form a nice crust. I love using unsalted butter because it allows me to control the salt level. Next, I finely mince the garlic. This adds a lovely flavor to the dish. The zest of the lemon brings a bright note, while the lemon juice adds a fresh tang. I finish with parsley for color and taste. I season the scallops with salt and pepper. This step is vital; it enhances the overall flavor of the dish. If you want to impress, add thin lemon slices as a garnish. They look beautiful and add extra zing. For the complete cooking instructions, refer to the Full Recipe. Happy cooking! - Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. - Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. Start by heating your skillet. Let it get nice and warm. The butter should bubble gently when it melts. This step is key for getting those scallops a good sear. - Place scallops in a single layer, avoid overcrowding. - Season scallops with salt and pepper. Next, pat dry your scallops. This will help them brown better. Place them in the skillet in one layer. Do not crowd them; this ensures they cook evenly. Season the top with salt and pepper. Let them cook without moving for 2-3 minutes. You want a nice golden crust. - Flip scallops and add garlic, lemon zest, and remaining butter. - Stir in lemon juice and garnish before serving. Now, flip each scallop gently. Add your minced garlic, lemon zest, and the rest of the butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Baste the scallops with the melted butter. This adds flavor and keeps them moist. Finally, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let the flavors meld for an extra minute. Plate your scallops and garnish with parsley. Add lemon slices for an elegant touch. For the complete cooking steps, check the Full Recipe. To cook scallops well, look for a golden crust. This crust gives the scallops a nice texture. Avoid overcooking them; it makes them tough. Tender scallops are the best. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Use fresh garlic, lemons, and herbs. You can try herbs like thyme or dill. These herbs add fun flavors to your dish. Pair your scallops with sides like asparagus or rice. These sides complement the rich taste. A chilled white wine works great with scallops. It enhances the meal and makes it special. Enjoy your Lemon Butter Delight Scallops! For the complete steps, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor by adding different herbs. Try basil or chives for a fresh taste. You can also use different types of garlic. Roasted garlic gives a sweet flavor, while garlic powder adds a nice kick. These changes make the dish unique and fun. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. This will spice up your meal. You can also swap lemon juice for lime juice. Lime gives a tropical twist that brightens the dish. These options let you control the spice level and flavor. For a richer sauce, mix in some heavy cream. This will make the sauce creamy and smooth. Serve it over pasta for a complete meal. The creamy lemon sauce pairs well with the scallops, making each bite delightful. You can find the Full Recipe to explore these variations further. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and safe. Consume within 1-2 days for the best taste. Scallops lose flavor quickly, so don’t wait too long. When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop. This helps avoid a rubbery texture. Add a splash of lemon juice when reheating for freshness. It brings back the bright flavor and keeps things tasty. Freezing previously cooked scallops is not recommended. They can become tough and lose their good taste. However, fresh, uncooked scallops can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well. Yes, ensure they are thawed completely before cooking. Frozen scallops can taste great too. Just remember to pat them dry before you cook. This helps them sear better. They should be opaque and firm to the touch, about 2-3 minutes per side. Look for a nice golden crust. This means they are perfectly cooked. Overcooked scallops can become rubbery, so watch closely! White wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices. These wines enhance the bright lemon flavor. They also balance the richness of the butter. Look for the "Full Recipe" within the article for complete cooking details. You’ll find all the steps and tips to make this dish shine! This blog post covered how to make lemon butter scallops with ease. We discussed the key ingredients like scallops, butter, and garlic. You learned step-by-step instructions to sear scallops perfectly and add flavor enhancers. Tips on storing and reheating kept your scallops fresh. Finally, we explored creative variations for your dish. With this knowledge, you can prepare delicious scallops that impress. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor each bite!

Easy Lemon Butter Scallops

Savor the flavor of Lemon Butter Delight Scallops, an elegant dish that's deliciously simple to make! This quick recipe combines tender sea scallops with garlic, fresh lemon juice, and parsley for a mouthwatering meal ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, the glossy butter sauce and zesty finish elevate every bite. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large sea scallops, thoroughly patted dry

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Zest of 1 large lemon

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional: Thin lemon slices for elegant garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by heating a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt until it is bubbling gently.

    Carefully place the dried sea scallops in a single layer within the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.

      Season the top side of the scallops generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Sear the scallops without moving them for about 2-3 minutes, or until a beautiful golden crust forms.

        Flip each scallop gently with tongs and immediately add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, frequently basting the scallops with the melted butter to enhance their flavor.

          Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and continue cooking for an additional minute to allow the flavors to marry. Once cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat.

            Plate the scallops, and garnish with finely chopped parsley. Add thin lemon slices on the side for an extra touch of brightness and visual appeal if desired.

              - Prep Time: 10 minutes

                - Total Time: 15 minutes

                  - Servings: 4

                    Enjoy your decadent Lemon Butter Delight Scallops!