Lemon Garlic Scallops (25 Minutes)

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Looking for something different to make this week? This quick and tasty scallop recipe won’t disappoint. The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter creates a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tender scallops. Even my kids gobbled these down!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound of fresh scallops, cleaned and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup of dry white wine
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or microgreens, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
  2. Add the scallops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside.
  4. Add the lemon juice and white wine to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  5. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened slightly.
  6. Return the scallops to the skillet and toss them with the sauce to coat.
  7. Season the scallops with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish the scallops with fresh parsley or greens and serve immediately.

Notes

To ensure your scallops turn out perfectly, make sure to cook them on high heat and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Patting the scallops dry before cooking will also help them develop a golden crust. Be sure to season the scallops with salt and pepper to taste and add a touch of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright and tangy flavor. I typically serve this dish with a side of pasta or roasted veggies. Enjoy!

*The following nutritional information is based on estimates.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving

Pair this with...

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling peeled and diced potatoes until they're fork-tender. While they're cooking, gently sauté minced garlic in some butter or olive oil until it's golden but not burnt - this mellows out the sharpness and infuses the butter with garlicky goodness. Drain the potatoes, then mash them up. Add the garlic-infused butter, a splash of milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper. Whip everything together until smooth, or leave a few lumps if you prefer. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives.

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

Start by selecting some plump, ripe tomatoes. Slice off the tops and scoop out a bit of the insides, making a small well in each. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish. Now, choose your favorite cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or even Parmesan all work wonderfully. Generously top each tomato with your cheese of choice. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Allow them to cool for a moment before serving and top with fresh herbs if desired.

Green Beans with Almonds

Begin by trimming the ends of your fresh green beans. Bring a pot of water to a boil, toss in the beans, and blanch them for just a few minutes until they're bright green and slightly tender. Drain them and dunk in cold water to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant color. On the side, toast some roughly chopped almonds in a dry skillet until they're golden and fragrant. In the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil or butter, and sauté the green beans briefly to warm them up. Toss in the toasted almonds, give everything a good stir, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!