Learn how to make Easy Garlic-Lemon Scallops, a delightful seafood dish that combines the flavors of garlic, lemon, and butter with tender scallops. This recipe is perfect for a quick and elegant dinner that will impress your guests or make a special weeknight meal at home.
Ingredients for Easy Garlic-Lemon Scallops:
- 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Easy Garlic-Lemon Scallops:
- Prepare the Scallops:
- Pat dry the scallops with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Scallops:
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and starts to sizzle.
- Add scallops to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove scallops from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic-Lemon Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and white wine or chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return scallops to the skillet, tossing them gently in the sauce to coat.
- Cook for another minute until scallops are heated through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Scallops: Provide a sweet and delicate seafood flavor, quick to cook and perfect for absorbing the flavors of the garlic-lemon sauce.
- Garlic and Lemon: Infuse the dish with vibrant flavors, enhancing the natural sweetness of the scallops.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Create a rich and flavorful base for searing the scallops and making the sauce.
- White Wine or Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce, balancing the acidity of the lemon and enhancing overall flavor.
- Fresh Parsley and Lemon Wedges: Add freshness and brightness to the dish, complementing the seafood and sauce.
Enjoy these Easy Garlic-Lemon Scallops as a sophisticated yet effortless dinner option that will leave everyone craving more. Perfect served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
