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Perfect Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe for Two

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A quick and elegant recipe featuring tender scallops seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for an intimate dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large sea scallops (about 6 oz/170 g per person), fresh and patted dry
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse scallops under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Remove the small side muscle if present. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Place skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking. (2-3 minutes)
  3. Add scallops to the pan spaced apart. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown crust forms. Flip gently and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until opaque but tender. (5-6 minutes)
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Push scallops to the side and add 2 tablespoons butter to the empty side of the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. (2 minutes)
  5. Spoon garlic butter sauce over scallops to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt or lemon juice if needed. (1 minute)
  6. Transfer scallops to warm plates, drizzle with remaining butter sauce, garnish with extra parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat scallops dry thoroughly to ensure a perfect sear. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Add butter after searing starts to prevent burning. Flip scallops only once to develop a good crust. For thicker scallops, finish in a 400°F oven for 1-2 minutes after searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter scallops, scallops recipe, easy seafood dinner, quick scallops, elegant dinner for two

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