Quick Pan-Seared Scallops with Burst of Freshness

Learn how to make perfectly pan-seared scallops with a delightful lemon butter sauce. This recipe combines the rich flavor of scallops with the bright and tangy taste of lemon, creating a mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests. The scallops are quickly seared to perfection, resulting in a caramelized crust and a tender interior. Serve these delectable scallops as an appetizer or a main course, and enjoy the burst of freshness with every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sea scallops
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season them with salt and black pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat until it begins to smoke.
3. Add half of the butter to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
4. Carefully add the scallops to the pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
5. Cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown crust. Flip them only once.
6. Remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
7. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
8. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
9. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, and cook for another 2 minutes.
10. Return the seared scallops to the pan and toss them gently in the lemon butter sauce.
11. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the scallops are heated through.
12. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

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