Golden Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Herb Sauce: A Luxurious Treat

Enjoy a gourmet experience at home with these Golden Seared Scallops paired with a Lemon Butter Herb Sauce. This recipe is a perfect blend of buttery richness, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs, making it ideal for special dinners or quick, elegant meals.

Ingredients

For the Scallops:

• 1 pound sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Lemon Butter Herb Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Scallops

1. Dry the Scallops: Use paper towels to pat the scallops completely dry to ensure a perfect sear.
2. Season: Sprinkle the scallops with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Sear the Scallops

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter starts to sizzle.
2. Cook the Scallops: Place scallops in the skillet in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Avoid overcrowding.
3. Remove from Heat: Transfer the scallops to a plate and cover to keep warm.

3. Make the Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Liquid: Pour in the white wine or chicken stock and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
4. Add Lemon and Herbs: Stir in the lemon juice, zest, parsley, and chives. Let the sauce simmer for another minute.

4. Combine and Serve

1. Return Scallops: Add the seared scallops back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Heat for 1 minute to warm through.
2. Serve: Transfer scallops to a serving dish, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with extra herbs.

Tips for Success

• Pat Dry for the Best Sear: Dry scallops ensure a golden crust.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and lemon juice elevate the flavors.
• Don’t Overcook: Scallops cook quickly and should be tender with a slightly translucent center.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines perfectly caramelized scallops with a luscious lemon butter herb sauce. The result is a dish that’s elegant yet easy to make, delivering rich, bright, and fresh flavors in every bite.

Pair these Golden Seared Scallops with a light salad, creamy risotto, or roasted vegetables for a complete and unforgettable meal. Try this recipe tonight and savor the flavors of restaurant-quality scallops at home!