Lip-Smacking Zesty Lemon-Garlic Scallops Recipe

Seafood lovers constantly seek that perfect balance of flavors, and these zesty lemon-garlic scallops dance elegantly between bright citrus and rich, savory notes.

Golden-edged scallops sizzle with an irresistible aroma that promises a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

Each tender morsel promises a burst of tangy, garlicky goodness that melts on your tongue.

The delicate texture of fresh scallops pairs beautifully with the bold lemon and garlic marinade.

Quick to prepare and stunning to serve, this dish transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Succulent scallops await your skillful touch, ready to impress even the most discerning palate.

Dive into this simple yet sophisticated recipe that brings gourmet flavor to your dining table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 294 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Zesty Lemon-Garlic Scallops

• Scallops: Fresh, sweet ocean gems that create a melt-in-your-mouth seafood experience, best when pat dry to achieve golden-brown searing and prevent steaming.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning duo that highlights the natural sweetness of scallops and adds depth to every bite.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses the dish with warm, robust undertones and complements the delicate seafood perfectly.
• Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds a vibrant green color and light, clean flavor to finish the dish.

• Olive Oil: High-heat cooking oil that helps create a beautiful golden sear on scallops while preventing sticking.
• Butter: Rich, creamy element that adds luxurious texture and helps create a silky, flavorful sauce.
• Lemon: Zesty citrus that cuts through richness, adds brightness, and enhances the natural sweetness of scallops with its tangy profile.

Tools for Cooking Scallops Just Right

• Cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet: Perfect for achieving a beautiful golden-brown sear on scallops.
• Paper towels: Essential for patting scallops completely dry before cooking.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping parsley and slicing lemon.
• Sharp knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Tongs: Great for carefully turning and handling delicate scallops during cooking.
• Plate: Used to rest scallops temporarily while preparing the sauce.

How to Sear Scallops & Toss in Garlic-Lemon Sauce

• Scallop Preparation

Pat scallops completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor absorption.

• Perfect Golden Sear

Heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high temperature with a drizzle of olive oil. Carefully place scallops in the pan, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and edges become slightly crispy.

• Aromatic Sauce Creation

Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and allow it to melt smoothly. Introduce minced garlic, stirring quickly to release its fragrant essence without burning. Watch for a light golden color and enticing aroma.

• Bright Citrus Finish

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet, creating a vibrant sauce that combines with butter and garlic. Gently return scallops to the pan, coating them in the zesty mixture. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and garnish with delicate lemon slices for a pop of color and extra brightness.

Variations for Heat, Citrus, or Herbs

• Quick Pat-Dry Secret: Moisture is the enemy of a perfect sear. Use clean paper towels to remove any excess liquid from scallops, ensuring they develop a golden-brown crust that's both crispy and delicate.
• Skillet Selection Magic: Cast-iron or stainless-steel pans work best for achieving that restaurant-quality golden crust. These heavy-bottomed pans distribute heat evenly and create the perfect caramelization.
• Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust minced garlic amounts to suit your taste preferences. For a milder flavor, reduce the quantity; for garlic lovers, add an extra pinch to amp up the zesty profile.
• Seafood Swap Option: Swap scallops with shrimp or white fish like halibut for an equally delicious meal. Each protein will absorb the bright lemon-garlic sauce differently, offering a unique twist to the original recipe.

Best Sides & Presentation for Scallops

• Elegant Seafood Centerpiece: Plate these golden-brown scallops as a stunning main course over a bed of creamy risotto or herbed quinoa for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Zesty Mediterranean Salad Companion: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with shaved parmesan, dressed with light olive oil and lemon vinaigrette to complement the scallops' delicate flavor.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Match this dish with a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay, which will enhance the bright lemon and subtle garlic notes of the scallops.
• Coastal-Inspired Appetizer Twist: Transform the recipe into an elegant appetizer by serving smaller portions on delicate spoons or mini-plates for sophisticated cocktail parties or dinner gatherings.

Store & Reheat Scallops Without Drying Out

• Smart Storage Solutions: Wrap leftover scallops in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to two days. Consume quickly to maintain optimal seafood freshness and prevent potential bacterial growth.
• Sauce Survival Strategy: Keep the lemon-garlic sauce separately in a sealed glass container inside the refrigerator. Mix back with scallops when reheating to restore original flavor profile and prevent sauce separation.
• Reheating Rescue Method: Gently warm scallops in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of butter to prevent drying. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain tender texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
• Ingredient Tracking Tips: Label containers with preparation date and contents. Check refrigerator temperature maintains consistent 40°F or below to ensure seafood safety and maximize potential leftover enjoyment.

Tangy Lemon-Garlic Scallops

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean culinary magic shines through this zesty lemon-garlic scallops delight recipe, highlighting fresh seafood with bright Mediterranean flavors. Delicate scallops seared perfectly complement tangy citrus notes, inviting you to savor coastal cuisine’s elegant simplicity.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb sea scallops (patted dry)
• 3 tbsps / 45 ml butter
• 1 medium lemon (juice from half, other half sliced)
• 1 tbsp / 15 ml olive oil
• 2 tsps garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously dry scallops using kitchen towels, removing excess moisture to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear while keeping salt, pepper, olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon, and parsley ready.
2. Seasoning: Generously coat scallops with salt and pepper, creating an even layer for enhanced flavor profile.
3. Skillet Preheating: Heat a robust cast-iron skillet over medium-high temperature until surface reaches optimal searing conditions, then drizzle with a thin layer of olive oil.
4. Searing Process: Strategically place seasoned scallops in the heated skillet, maintaining spacing to prevent steaming, and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a rich golden crust develops.
5. Flipping and Cooking: Gently turn scallops, cooking until achieving a delicate golden exterior with a translucent center, then transfer to a separate plate.
6. Sauce Creation: Reduce skillet heat, melt butter until slightly bubbling, then quickly incorporate minced garlic to release its aromatic essence without burning.
7. Flavor Enhancement: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the butter-garlic mixture, creating a vibrant, zesty sauce that complements the scallops’ delicate flavor.
8. Final Assembly: Return seared scallops to the skillet, gently coating them in the luxurious lemon-garlic sauce, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley and delicate lemon wedges for a burst of citrusy complexity.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Thoroughly dry scallops with kitchen towels to prevent steaming and achieve a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in incredible flavor.
• Temperature Precision: Use a blazing hot cast-iron skillet to create a caramelized exterior that seals in the scallops’ delicate, buttery texture.
• Spacing Strategy: Arrange scallops with ample room between them to ensure each piece browns evenly without creating unwanted steam.
• Sauce Timing: Remove scallops before preparing the lemon-garlic sauce to prevent overcooking and maintain the seafood’s tender, delicate nature.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 294
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 198 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg