Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter 🍋🦪✨ Golden, Tender, and Elegantly Simple

Pan-seared scallops are restaurant-worthy yet easy to make at home. With a crisp golden crust, buttery interior, and a zesty lemon butter sauce, this dish makes an elegant appetizer or light main course.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb sea scallops (about 12–16 large scallops)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step 1: Prep the scallops

Pat scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels (moisture prevents searing). Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the scallops

Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot and shimmering, add scallops in a single layer without crowding. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown with a crust. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the sauce

Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine and serve

Return scallops to skillet briefly to coat in sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth
• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
• Serve over risotto, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal
• Swap parsley for chives or dill for a fresh twist

Pro Tips

• Use a cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet for the best sear
• Don’t move scallops while searing — let the crust form before flipping
• Work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of searing
• Serve immediately; scallops are best enjoyed hot and fresh

Final Thoughts

Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter are golden, tender, and elegant — a quick yet impressive dish perfect for weeknights or dinner parties. Simple ingredients, big flavor.

Sear it. Sauce it. Savor the elegance. 🍋🦪✨

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

• 🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
• 🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
• 🍝 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Elegant and indulgent, like shrimp linguine in a white wine sauce.
• 🍤 Shrimp Recipes – Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed; smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries
• 🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
• 🦞 Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, Buttery & Oven-Ready. Comfort food meets coastal flavor.
• 🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
• 🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick, delicious, easy recipes bring bold flavor with minimal prep and cleanup
• 🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light, fresh & packed with protein and omega-3s with bright, satisfying flavor
• 🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy, silky rice dishes meet the richness of the sea.
• 🌊 Seafood Stews – Mediterranean, Latin to classic American, hearty stews with satisfying depth in your bowl.
• 🍝🧀 Seafood Lasagna – Lasagna meets the sea in these rich and satisfying delicious twist classic bakes.