Description
Succulent garlic seared scallops highlight classic coastal cuisine with golden-brown exteriors and tender centers. Delicate seafood combines simple ingredients for an elegant main course you’ll savor with each perfectly caramelized bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) sea scallops
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 2 tsps (10 g) garlic, minced
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
- 1 medium lemon (juice of half, slice remaining half)
- 1 tbsp (15 g) parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously pat scallops dry using paper towels, ensuring surfaces are completely moisture-free. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Searing: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with extra virgin olive oil. Carefully place seasoned scallops, maintaining space between each piece. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown crust while preserving a tender core.
- Pan Sauce: After removing scallops, melt butter with olive oil in the same skillet. Add minced garlic, stirring continuously for 30 seconds until fragrant. Introduce fresh lemon juice, creating a vibrant pan sauce with sea salt.
- Finishing: Return seared scallops to the skillet, gently coating with lemon-garlic butter. Sprinkle chopped parsley for color and freshness. Plate over linguine or preferred pasta, garnishing with additional lemon wedges for personalized flavor.
Notes
- Prep Perfectly: Pat scallops bone-dry to achieve a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Heat Matters: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet on medium-high heat to create an ideal searing environment without burning.
- Space Wisely: Arrange scallops with enough room between them to ensure proper caramelization and prevent soggy texture.
- Timing is Key: Sear each side for 2-3 minutes maximum to maintain a delicate, tender center while creating a crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 308
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 573 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg