Minute Garlic Butter Lemon Scallops

$- 1 pound sea scallops - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Salt and black pepper - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) The sea scallops are the star of this dish. Choose fresh or thawed scallops for the best taste. The unsalted butter adds richness and helps to crisp the scallops. Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor, while lemon zest and juice add brightness. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness. - Lemon wedges - Extra herbs You can serve the scallops with lemon wedges for a zesty kick. Extra herbs like thyme or dill can also boost the flavor. These garnishes make your dish look great and add extra taste. Start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better. If they are wet, they won't brown nicely. After drying, season them lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides. Good seasoning brings out the flavor. Always use fresh or thawed scallops for the best taste. Quality matters. Choose sea scallops for their sweet and tender meat. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter to the pan. Wait until the butter melts and becomes foamy, but don’t let it brown. This step is key for adding rich flavor. Once the butter is ready, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Be careful; you don’t want it to burn. Now, add the scallops to the skillet. Place them in a single layer; avoid crowding the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn golden brown. Then, flip the scallops gently. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are opaque. Perfectly cooked scallops will be tender and juicy. When the scallops are done, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. This adds a bright taste. Then, add the lemon zest for extra flavor. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve the scallops hot with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your savory delight! To cook scallops just right, focus on time and heat. Scallops need about 2-3 minutes on one side and 1-2 minutes on the other. Use medium-high heat to get that nice golden brown color. If they cook too long, they turn tough. To avoid this, keep an eye on them. They should be opaque when done. You can add more flavor to your scallops! Try spices like paprika or a dash of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also brighten the dish. For sides, think light and fresh. A crisp salad or steamed veggies pair well. Rice or pasta can also make a great base. When plating, stack the scallops in a neat row for a nice look. Drizzle some garlic butter on top for extra flavor. Add a sprinkle of parsley for color. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze on top. For drinks, a chilled white wine or sparkling water complements the dish well. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your Minute Garlic Butter Lemon Scallops easily. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil. They bring a nice aroma and taste. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a bit of heat. You can also mix in some chopped spinach or asparagus for extra color and crunch. You have options when cooking scallops. Broiling gives a crispy top while keeping them juicy. Just set your oven to high and place scallops on a baking sheet. Pan-searing gives a nice golden crust. For something unique, try grilling. It adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the lemon. If you don’t have scallops, you can use shrimp or fish. Choose seafood that cooks quickly for the best results. For a vegan twist, try using king oyster mushrooms. Their texture resembles scallops, and they soak up flavor well. To keep your leftover scallops fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay good for one to two days. Make sure they cool down first before sealing. This helps keep the moisture in and prevents any bad smells. If you want to freeze them, wrap the scallops tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Frozen scallops can last for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. To reheat your scallops, the skillet method works best. Heat a little butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the scallops and cook for about one minute on each side. This helps keep them tender and adds flavor. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Place the scallops on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, about 15 seconds at a time. Check often so they don’t overcook. If they feel dry, add a tiny bit of butter to keep them moist. If your scallops seem a bit tough after reheating, don’t worry. You can make a quick sauce with lemon juice and butter. This will help restore some moisture and flavor. Enjoy your delicious scallops just like the first time! You should cook scallops for about 3 to 5 minutes. Start by cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes on one side. Once they turn golden brown, flip them. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The scallops should be opaque when done. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep an eye on them. Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results. If you're in a hurry, place them in a sealed bag and run cold water over them for about 30 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry before cooking. This will help you get that nice golden crust. Garlic butter lemon scallops pair well with several side dishes. Here are some great options: - Rice: A simple white or lemon rice adds a nice touch. - Pasta: Tossing them with pasta and olive oil works well too. - Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or asparagus balance the meal nicely. You can also add complementary sauces, like a light lemon sauce or a fresh herb sauce. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the scallops well, adding freshness to the dish. You can create a delicious dish with just a few key ingredients. We discussed selecting the best scallops and how to cook them perfectly. Remember to season well and use fresh herbs for vibrant flavor. Experiment with different methods and enjoy variations to suit your taste. Finally, store any leftovers properly so you can savor this dish later. With practice, you'll impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Now, it’s time to get cooking!$

Minute Garlic Butter Lemon Scallops

Indulge in a quick and delicious meal with these Minute Garlic Butter Lemon Scallops! In just 10 minutes, you can create a gourmet dish using fresh scallops, fragrant garlic, and zesty lemon. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a simple weeknight treat. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to discover how to make this easy and flavorful seafood dish that your guests will love!

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Ingredients

1 pound sea scallops, fresh or thawed

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter is foamy but not browned.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Carefully place the scallops in the skillet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they are golden brown.

Flip the scallops carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are opaque and cooked through.

Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the scallops and add the lemon zest, stirring gently to combine.

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 min | 10 min | 2 servings