How to Create Buttery Lemon Garlic Scallops: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
Scallops are often seen as a fancy restaurant dish, but the truth is, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. With their tender texture and mildly sweet flavor, scallops can transform an ordinary dinner into something special. In this blog, we’ll teach you how to create buttery lemon garlic scallops that are bursting with flavor. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced cook—this recipe is simple, and we’ll guide you through every step!
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s talk about ingredients. You’ll need just a few basic items to make this dish. Most of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 450 grams) of scallops (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest from 1 lemon (optional, but adds extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools:
- A large skillet (non-stick or stainless steel)
- Paper towels
- A spatula or tongs
- A small mixing bowl
Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
The first step is getting your scallops ready. If you’re using frozen scallops, make sure to thaw them completely by placing them in the fridge overnight or soaking them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed (or if you’re using fresh scallops), you’ll want to remove any excess moisture. Scallops release liquid as they cook, and too much moisture can stop them from browning properly.
To dry them, place the scallops on a plate lined with paper towels. Use another paper towel to pat them gently. Aim for dry scallops—it’s key to achieving that perfect golden crust.
Before cooking, check if any scallops have a small, tough muscle attached to the side (called the “foot”). You can remove this by gently pulling it off with your fingers.
Step 2: Season the Scallops
Once the scallops are dry, season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Simplicity works best here because the buttery lemon garlic sauce will add plenty of flavor later on.
Step 3: Sear the Scallops
Now it’s time to cook the scallops! Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, carefully place the scallops in the pan. Make sure they’re not crowded—leave some space between each scallop so they sear properly instead of steaming.
Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on one side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the bottoms turn golden brown and easily release from the pan. Use a spatula or tongs to flip them over gently. Cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. The scallops should be firm and opaque in the center when done. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate while you make the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Buttery Lemon Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt completely, scraping up any golden bits left in the pan from cooking the scallops (this adds extra flavor). Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn.
Next, add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir everything together, letting the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine the Scallops with the Sauce
Return the seared scallops to the skillet, spooning the buttery lemon garlic sauce over them. Let the scallops warm in the sauce for about 1 minute. This step helps to infuse the scallops with all those delicious flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Your buttery lemon garlic scallops are ready! Transfer them to a serving plate, pouring any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. If you’d like, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley for color and extra flavor.
Pair these scallops with your favorite sides. They go great with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice. You could even serve them over pasta if you want to turn this dish into a full meal.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Too many scallops in the pan at once will lower the temperature and cause them to steam instead of searing.
- Be patient when searing: Avoid flipping the scallops too early; let them develop a golden crust first.
- Fresh ingredients matter: Using fresh lemon juice and good-quality butter can make a big difference in flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making buttery lemon garlic scallops at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a few simple ingredients and clear steps, you can impress your family or guests with this elegant dish. The combination of tender scallops, rich butter, tangy lemon, and savory garlic is truly unforgettable.
So go ahead—give this recipe a try! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!
