Prepare the Scallops
Pat Dry: Place the scallops on a paper towel-lined plate and gently pat them dry with additional paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a good sear, which ensures a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Seasoning
Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the salt and black pepper.
Season Scallops: Sprinkle the salt and pepper mixture evenly over both sides of the scallops. This step ensures that each scallop is well-seasoned and flavorful.
Cooking the Scallops
Heat the Skillet: Place a cast iron skillet (or stainless steel skillet) over medium-high heat. Let it heat up for a few minutes until it’s hot enough to sear the scallops properly.
Add Olive Oil: Add the garlic-infused olive oil to the hot skillet. Allow the oil to heat up, but be careful not to let it smoke.
Searing the Scallops
Place Scallops in Skillet: Carefully place the seasoned scallops in the hot skillet, making sure to place them flat-side down. Ensure there’s enough space between each scallop to allow even cooking and proper searing.
Sear the First Side: Let the scallops cook for about 2-2.5 minutes on the first side without moving them. This step is essential to form a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Flip the Scallops: Using tongs, carefully flip the scallops to sear the other side for another 2-2.5 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your scallops. They should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch when done.
Making the Butter Garlic Sauce
Remove Scallops: Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Melt Butter: Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt gently, ensuring it doesn’t brown too quickly.
Cook Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon into the skillet. Use a spoon to mix the lemon juice into the butter and garlic mixture, creating a balanced sauce.
Combining Everything
Return Scallops to Skillet: Turn off the heat and return the seared scallops to the skillet with the butter garlic sauce.
Toss Scallops in Sauce: Gently toss the scallops in the sauce to coat them evenly with the rich, buttery mixture.
Serve
Transfer to Platter: Transfer the butter garlic scallops to a serving platter, making sure to pour any remaining sauce over the top.
Garnish: Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Enjoy
Serve Immediately: Serve the butter garlic scallops immediately while hot. They can be enjoyed as is or paired with your favorite side dishes such as garlic mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Additional Tips:
Choose Fresh Scallops: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality scallops. Look for scallops that are firm, smell fresh, and have a slightly sweet aroma.
Avoid Overcooking: Scallops cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Keep a close eye on them and cook just until they are opaque and firm to the touch.
Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the scallops, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the butter for an extra layer of flavor.
Experiment with Herbs: While parsley is a classic choice, you can also experiment with other herbs such as thyme, basil, or cilantro to add a different twist to the dish.
Serving Suggestions:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of garlic mashed potatoes complements the rich sauce and tender scallops perfectly.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a healthy and colorful side.
Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the scallops and add a refreshing crunch to the meal.
Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to soak up any remaining butter garlic sauce on your plate.
Conclusion
This Butter Garlic Scallops recipe offers a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The key to perfect scallops lies in the searing technique and the harmonious blend of garlic, butter, and lemon juice in the sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a gourmet meal at home, these scallops are sure to impress. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture of this delightful dish, and don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning and garnishes to suit your personal taste. Happy cooking!
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