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Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe

Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe - Recipes From Chef

After a long day, you come home to the tantalizing aroma of garlic butter wafting through your kitchen. You walk over, only to find a pan sizzling with golden-brown scallops. It’s like a hug on a plate—comforting yet elegant.
I remember my first foray into cooking scallops. I was a bit intimidated at first, thinking only high-end restaurants could pull this off.
 But trust me, with the right instructions, you can create a dish that looks like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen. Garlic butter scallops are quick, flavorful, and can elevate any weeknight dinner. So, let’s embark on this culinary adventure together, shall we?
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 193
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 pounds of fresh, dry-packed sea scallops
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of finely minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh herbs, plus extra for garnish such as parsley, thyme, or tarragon
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
  1. Start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a beautiful sear. Season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Scallops thrive on proper drying; moisture is their enemy!
Step 2: Heat the Butter and Oil
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Wait until the butter melts and bubbles. Always keep an eye on it; butter burns quickly!
Step 3: Sear the Scallops
  1. When the skillet is hot, add the scallops in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip them gently using tongs.
Step 4: Add the Garlic
  1. Once flipped, add the minced garlic and remaining butter to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. You’ll see that fabulous brown crust on the scallops; that’s where the flavor lives!
Step 5: Incorporate Lemon Juice and Herbs
  1. After the scallops are cooked through and they appear opaque, drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle your selected herbs. Toss to coat in that luxurious garlic butter. Cook for another minute for the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
  1. Plate the scallops and drizzle with the buttery sauce from the skillet. Garnish with more fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Don’t forget that crusty bread for dipping!

Notes

  • Choose Fresh Scallops: Fresh is critical. Avoid scallops that smell too fishy; they should smell like the ocean.
  • Don’t Overcook: Scallops cook quickly. Watch them closely and take them off the heat as soon as they turn opaque.
  • Rest the Scallops: Leave them to rest for a minute after cooking to allow flavors to settle.
  • Experiment with Herbs: You can try dill or chives for a different flavor profile.
  • Use a Hot Pan: High heat sears the scallops perfectly. An average temperature turns them rubbery.