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
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Seasoning: Generously coat scallops with salt and pepper, creating an even layer for enhanced flavor profile.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flipping and Cooking: Gently turn scallops, cooking until achieving a delicate golden exterior with a translucent center, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Sauce Creation: Reduce skillet heat, melt butter until slightly bubbling, then quickly incorporate minced garlic to release its aromatic essence without burning.
- Flavor Enhancement: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the butter-garlic mixture, creating a vibrant, zesty sauce that complements the scallops’ delicate flavor.
- 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