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Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops

Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops
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Pan Seared Garlic Butter Scallops feature tender, golden scallops cooked with a luscious garlic butter sauce, combining rich, savory flavors with a crisp caramelized crust. This quick and elegant dish is perfect for a gourmet meal that’s ready in under 15 minutes, offering a delightful texture and irresistible aroma that elevates any dining experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 12 fresh dry-packed sea scallops (about 1 to 1 ¼ inch diameter)

Butter & Oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Flavorings & Seasonings

  • 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the scallops: Pat your scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden crust during searing.
  2. Heat the pan: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash (about 1 tablespoon) of olive oil. Let the oil shimmer before adding the scallops, ensuring they don’t stick and sear evenly.
  3. Sear the scallops: Place the scallops gently into the hot pan, leaving space between each. Cook without moving them for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom forms a firm golden crust.
  4. Flip and add garlic butter: Turn the scallops carefully using tongs and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the minced garlic to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted garlic butter repeatedly over each scallop for 1 to 2 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Finish and serve: Remove the scallops from the pan, season with salt and black pepper to taste, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Dry scallops are key to getting a crispy, golden crust.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; leave space between scallops to avoid steaming instead of searing.
  • Use medium-high heat for a quick sear that locks in moisture.
  • Add garlic butter only after flipping the scallops to prevent burning the garlic.
  • Serve scallops immediately for best texture and juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: scallops, garlic butter scallops, pan seared scallops, seafood appetizer, quick seafood recipe, garlic scallops

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/pan-seared-garlic-butter-scallops/