If you love dishes that come together quickly but taste like you’ve been working on them all day, then this Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Juicy scallops get seared to perfection, creating that irresistible golden crust, and then bathed in a luscious butter-garlic-white wine sauce with a bright pop of fresh lemon juice. It’s a perfect blend of rich, tangy, and savory flavors that feels special yet is so simple to make. Whether you’re cooking a fancy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe hits all the right notes and never fails to wow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients, this Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe proves that you don’t need complexity to create something exceptional. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the tender scallops to the zingy lemon, smooth butter, and aromatic garlic.
- 1 pound scallops: The star of the dish, best when fresh or fully thawed for a perfect sear and tender bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a high-heat-friendly base for searing the scallops to a golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Enriches the sauce while balancing the acidity of the lemon.
- 5 cloves minced garlic: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic goodness that pairs beautifully with seafood.
- 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth): Adds a subtle tang and complexity while deglazing the pan.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings freshness and brightness that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Scallops
Start by patting your scallops dry—this step is crucial for achieving that coveted golden crust. If your scallops were frozen, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout. Season them evenly with salt and black pepper, which will enhance their natural flavors as they cook.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough. Place the scallops in a single layer without crowding the pan. Resist the urge to move them around; let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes so a beautiful golden crust forms. Flip the scallops and cook for another 2 minutes, just until they’re opaque and cooked through. Then, remove them from the skillet and set aside—don’t let that goodness go to waste!
Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the salted butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about a minute, letting its fragrance fill your kitchen without burning it. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor. Finally, stir in the fresh lemon juice and cook for just 30 seconds to marry all the flavors.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Pour the warm, garlicky lemon sauce over your perfectly seared scallops. The moment you add this sauce, the dish transforms into something velvety and vibrant. Serve immediately for the best experience, making sure each scallop is generously coated.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe from great to unforgettable. Think fresh parsley or chives sprinkled over the top for a pop of green and fresh herbal notes. A thin lemon zest twist adds a beautiful fragrance and a visual cue to the lemon flavor within.
Side Dishes
These scallops shine beautifully alongside light, complementary sides. Consider serving them with a fluffy bed of garlic butter rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. For a fresh contrast, toss a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus alongside for a balanced and colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe presentation to the next level by plating scallops atop a cauliflower purée or alongside spiralized zucchini noodles lightly tossed in olive oil. For a more casual, shareable approach, serve the scallops on toasted baguette slices as an appetizer with the sauce drizzled on top—perfect for gatherings and full of impressive flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The scallops remain tender and flavorful for up to 2 days, but best consumed sooner rather than later for the ultimate taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing cooked scallops generally isn’t recommended, as their delicate texture can become rubbery. However, if you must, flash freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month and thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the scallops in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil. Avoid high heat as it can toughen them. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts on low power, checking frequently so they don’t overcook.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe?
Absolutely, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This ensures they sear properly and don’t steam, which keeps the texture tender and the crust golden.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute. It adds depth and moisture without altering the flavor profile dramatically.
How do I know when scallops are cooked?
Cooked scallops will be opaque and firm to the touch but still springy. They should develop a golden-brown crust on each side if seared correctly, which takes about 2 minutes per side.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
While you can prepare the garlic lemon sauce ahead, it’s best to warm and add it just before serving to keep that fresh, vibrant flavor intact. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe as written is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that feels luxurious yet takes only minutes to prepare, and this Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe fits that description perfectly. From the delicate scallops to the bright, buttery sauce, every bite is a comforting celebration of flavor. Give it a try soon and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Lemon Garlic Scallops Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This delicious Lemon Garlic Scallops recipe features tender scallops seared to a golden crust and served with a vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick, elegant seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Scallops
- 1 pound scallops (thawed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 5 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup white wine (can substitute chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly using a clean towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture. Ensure they are completely thawed if previously frozen. Season the scallops evenly on both sides with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Sear Scallops: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Arrange the scallops in a single layer without crowding. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a golden crust. Flip the scallops and cook for another 2 minutes until they are opaque and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make Lemon Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add 5 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and intensify in flavor. Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Serve: Pour the lemon garlic sauce over the cooked scallops immediately. Serve hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure scallops are completely dry before searing to get a nice crust.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure even searing.
- Serve immediately as scallops can become rubbery if reheated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
