Best 2 Easy Garlic Lemon Scallops Recipes

Indulge in a culinary delight with our exquisite Garlic Lemon Scallops recipe, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Prepared with tender scallops, aromatic garlic, and a burst of lemon, this dish is a perfect balance of savory and tangy. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, our Garlic Lemon Scallops recipe is an easy-to-follow guide that will lead you to culinary success.

In addition to the classic Garlic Lemon Scallops, we also offer variations to suit your preferences. The Lemon Butter Scallops offer a rich and creamy texture, while the Garlic Herb Scallops introduce a delightful blend of herbs that elevate the natural flavors of the scallops. And for those seeking a spicy kick, the Chili Lime Scallops pack a flavorful punch that will leave you craving more.

Our recipes are carefully crafted to provide a hassle-free cooking experience. With step-by-step instructions and detailed ingredient lists, you'll be able to create these delectable dishes with confidence. Whether you're cooking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself to a special meal, our Garlic Lemon Scallops and its variations are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PAN-SEARED LEMON AND GARLIC SCALLOPS

Pan-Seared Lemon and Garlic Scallops image

Scallops have a reputation for being hard to cook correctly, but this recipe is really fast, easy, and oh so tasty. The key is high heat for the sear, a good nonstick pan, and clarified butter. Pairs well with risotto.

Provided by Brian Genest

Categories Seafood Shellfish Scallops

Time 1h20m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

12 medium sea scallops
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
5 tablespoons clarified butter (ghee), warm
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons clarified butter (ghee)

Steps:

Place scallops in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Cover and let rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Combine 5 tablespoons warm butter, lemon juice, and garlic in a bowl; whisk until combined. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
At the same time, remove scallops from the refrigerator and let come to room temperature, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, making sure it does not smoke. Brush scallops with garlic mixture and add to the pan. Cook until the bottoms begin to sear and turn golden, about 2 minutes. Flip scallops, brush with garlic mixture, and cook another 2 minutes. Remove scallops from the heat and let them continue to cook while they rest, off the heat, for 5 more minutes. Plate and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 675.1 calories, Carbohydrate 10.1 g, Cholesterol 232.4 mg, Fat 52.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 42.5 g, SaturatedFat 31.7 g, Sodium 1647.9 mg, Sugar 0.4 g

BUTTERY SCALLOPS WITH LEMON AND HERBS

Buttery Scallops With Lemon and Herbs image

Simple and very speedy, this dish shows off the sweetness and delicacy of fresh sea scallops, seasoned with only lemon, garlic, herbs and a sprinkle of red-pepper flakes. A little butter gives it a touch of richness, while the grated lemon zest adds brightness and a jolt of acid. You can serve this with a big green salad for a light meal, or over buttered noodles or mashed potatoes for something more substantial.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories quick, seafood, main course

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 pounds sea scallops, patted dry
Salt and black pepper
4 to 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons minced thyme leaves
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for garnish
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
Pinch of red-pepper flakes
1/2 cup chopped soft herbs (such as basil, chives, mint or cilantro), for garnish

Steps:

Season scallops lightly on both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat a large, preferably nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add 3 tablespoons butter and let melt. Place seasoned scallops in the pan in a single layer without touching. (Do this in batches if necessary, using another tablespoon of butter if needed for the second batch.) Cook without moving until bottoms are golden brown, 3 minutes.
Flip the scallops and add another tablespoon of butter to the pan. Stir in garlic and thyme, and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute longer.
If you took any of the scallops out of the pan to cook them in batches, put them back in now. Pour lemon juice on top of all the scallops, sprinkle with the lemon zest, and toss everything gently to combine.
Transfer scallops to serving plates and sprinkle red-pepper flakes on top. Garnish with chopped soft herbs and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.

Tips:

For the best results, use large or jumbo sea scallops.
Make sure the scallops are dry before searing, so they will brown properly.
Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the scallops. Otherwise, they will steam instead of sear.
Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Be careful not to overcook the scallops, or they will become tough.
Serve the scallops immediately after cooking, while they are still hot and juicy.

Conclusion:

This easy garlic lemon scallops recipe is a quick and delicious seafood dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The scallops are seared until golden brown and then finished with a simple garlic and lemon sauce. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful scallop dish that's sure to please everyone at the table. Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, pasta, or vegetables.