Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce

Skip the crowded restaurants and overpriced pre-fixed menus. Instead, plan an unforgettable date night dinner right at home. The perfect dish for your special night is scallops with a lemon butter sauce. It’s quick to prepare, but the sweet scallops and a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce make you feel like a gourmet meal. Trust me, you have never seen scallops as large as ours!

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh sea scallops, patted dry

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor)

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 cup cooked white rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This ensures they sear correctly and get that perfect golden crust—season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Scallops: 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the scallops in a single layer (don’t overcrowd them!).

2. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: 

1. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it melts, stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. 

2. Add the white wine (if using), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. To assemble the dish, return the seared scallops to the skillet and toss them in the lemon butter sauce for about a minute to coat.

5. Serve the scallops over a bed of cooked rice, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top.

6. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra wedge of lemon for a pop of color and added brightness.

This delicious dish of scallops with lemon butter sauce recipe is as simple as it is elegant, making it a fantastic choice for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Serve it over rice, and you have a dish bursting with flavor and sure to impress!