Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops
Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops are golden pan-seared sea scallops coated in a rich garlic butter and fresh lemon sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, this easy seafood dinner is elegant, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sea scallops
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 medium lemon half juiced, half sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the scallops into the hot skillet, leaving space between each one.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes without moving them until a golden crust develops.
- Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until the scallops are opaque and just cooked through.
- Transfer the scallops to a plate.
- Reduce the heat slightly and melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Squeeze in the juice from half of the lemon.
- Return the Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately over cooked pasta with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve with buttered pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, roasted vegetables, or rice.
- Use unsalted butter if preferred and adjust seasoning.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with fresh chives.
- Do not overcook scallops, as they become rubbery very quickly.