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When it comes to seafood, few dishes can rival the elegance and flavor of crispy lemon garlic butter scallops. These tender, succulent morsels of the ocean are not only a delight to the palate but also showcase the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Scallops, with their mild yet sweet flavor profile, are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect choice for a variety of culinary creations.

Crispy Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Discover the delightful taste of crispy lemon garlic butter scallops with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for any occasion, these tender sea scallops feature a golden-brown crust and a rich sauce infused with garlic and zesty lemon. Learn how to select fresh scallops, master the searing technique, and create a beautiful presentation. Elevate your dinner plans and impress your guests with this simple yet elegant seafood dish that bursts with flavor.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb sea scallops (fresh, dry-packed preferred)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic (minced)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prep the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve that crispy texture. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

    Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot but not smoking.

      Sear the Scallops: Add the scallops to the hot skillet, making sure to not overcrowd them (work in batches if necessary). Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on one side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through and firm to the touch. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.

        Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

          Add Flavor Explosion: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer for another minute, mixing well, then remove from heat.

            Combine & Serve: Return the scallops to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the lemon garlic butter sauce.

              Garnish & Enjoy: Plate the scallops, spooning additional sauce over if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings