Lemon Butter Scallops are a light, elegant, and flavorful dish that features tender, seared scallops cooked in a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce. The scallops have a delicate sweetness, perfectly complemented by the bright acidity of lemon and the richness of the butter. It’s an impressive dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a special dinner or as an appetizer for a gathering.
I first made these scallops when I wanted a fancy yet easy-to-make dish that would impress. The searing of the scallops created a beautiful golden crust, while the lemon butter sauce added a silky, tangy finish that brought all the flavors together. What I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together—you can serve it with a side of pasta, risotto, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Whether for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal, Lemon Butter Scallops are a delicious, refined choice!
Perfect for:
- Special occasions
- Date night dinners
- Seafood lovers
- Holiday meals
- Light, yet indulgent meals
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Lemon Butter Scallops will become a go-to dish in your repertoire:
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Fresh scallops, lemon, and butter combine for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a weeknight or last-minute dinner party.
- Perfectly Seared Scallops: The scallops are seared to golden perfection, offering a crispy outer layer and tender, juicy center.
- Lush Lemon Butter Sauce: The velvety sauce adds a refreshing burst of flavor, complementing the scallops without overpowering them.
- Elegant Presentation: This dish looks impressive when plated, making it ideal for special occasions.
- Versatile: Serve over pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Low-Carb and Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally low in carbs and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets.
- Fresh and Light: The lemon and herbs add a light, refreshing note that balances the richness of the butter.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: You can prepare the lemon butter sauce in advance to save time when cooking.
- Impress Your Guests: This dish is sure to wow your guests with its elegant flavor and presentation.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Scallops:
- 1 lb fresh scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Scallops: They are the star of the dish, offering a sweet and delicate flavor when cooked properly.
- Lemon and Butter: The combination creates a smooth, bright sauce that enhances the scallops without overpowering them.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce, making it more savory and balanced.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Scallops:
- Pat Dry: Thoroughly pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
- Season: Season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper.
- Heat Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Sear the Scallops: Once the pan is hot, add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter, allowing it to melt.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish with Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and remove the skillet from heat.
Assemble the Dish:
- Serve the Scallops: Arrange the cooked scallops on plates and spoon the lemon butter sauce over them.
- Garnish: Garnish with additional fresh parsley, lemon slices, and thyme sprigs, if desired.
Serve:
- Enjoy! Serve immediately while the scallops are hot, paired with your choice of sides like pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Lemon Butter Scallops:
- Over Pasta: Serve with angel hair or fettuccine for a light and flavorful seafood pasta dish.
- With Rice: Pair with a side of jasmine or basmati rice to absorb the delicious sauce.
- On a Salad: Top a fresh green salad with the scallops for a light, healthy meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as an elegant appetizer at a dinner party.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a balanced meal.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes to make this dish more indulgent.
- As Part of a Surf-and-Turf: Combine with a steak for a luxurious surf-and-turf meal.
- On a Bed of Spinach: Serve the scallops on a bed of sautéed spinach for a nutritious addition.
Additional Tips
- Pat Scallops Dry: Ensuring the scallops are dry before searing them will help achieve a nice golden crust.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the scallops in batches if necessary to avoid steaming them.
- Watch Cooking Time: Scallops cook quickly; overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce, or a dash of white wine for extra depth.
- Serve Immediately: Scallops are best enjoyed fresh, as they can become tough if left to sit too long.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Lemon Butter Scallops: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Sauce: Use fresh thyme or tarragon in the sauce for a more herbal flavor.
- Coconut Lemon Butter Scallops: Replace half the butter with coconut oil for a tropical twist.
- Garlic Parmesan Scallops: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the lemon butter sauce for a creamy, cheesy variation.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and substitute scallops with plant-based seafood alternatives.
Special Equipment
- Non-stick Skillet – Ideal for searing scallops without them sticking to the pan.
- Tongs – For turning scallops gently without breaking them.
- Lemon Zester – To zest lemon for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Microplane Grater – For finely grating lemon zest or Parmesan cheese.
- Fish Spatula – A thin, flexible spatula designed for delicate seafood like scallops.
- Basting Brush – To apply butter sauce evenly over the scallops.
- Cooking Thermometer – To ensure scallops are cooked to the perfect temperature.
- Garlic Press – To easily crush garlic for the sauce.
- Measuring Spoons – For accurate measurement of spices, herbs, and butter.
- Small Saucepan – For melting and preparing the lemon butter sauce.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. - How do I know when the scallops are cooked?
Scallops should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch when fully cooked. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the scallops are best served immediately, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. - Can I use a different type of seafood?
Yes, shrimp or even lobster tails would work well with this lemon butter sauce. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. - How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water and simmer it until it thickens. - Can I use non-dairy butter?
Yes, non-dairy butter can be used for a dairy-free version. - How do I prevent the scallops from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the pan is hot before adding the scallops, and don’t move them until they’ve formed a crust.
Conclusion
Lemon Butter Scallops are a light, elegant, and flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal. The scallops are seared to golden perfection and then bathed in a rich lemon butter sauce, creating a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors. The citrusy brightness of the lemon enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops, making each bite incredibly delicious.
This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients and a short cooking time. You can serve the scallops over pasta, rice, or a bed of greens for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added freshness and color. Whether you’re preparing dinner for guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, Lemon Butter Scallops are sure to impress.
I can’t wait to see how your Lemon Butter Scallops turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your stunning creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!