Seared Scallops in Lemon Butter
When it comes to fresh seafood my advice is this: KISS (Keep it Simple Seafood). Highlight the natural fresh flavor of the fish or seafood by keeping the ingredients simple and natural. Scallops are similar to crab or lobster taste-wise but they have a firmer texture. The flavor tends to be sweet, buttery, and delicate.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 11-12 fresh or frozen scallops
- sea salt for seasoning
- ground pepper optional for seasoning- I prefer without
- 1 small lemon sliced in 1/4 inch slices
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly cut parsley
Instructions
- Prepare scallops by patting them completely dry with a paper towel. Season with sea salt on both sides (optional season with ground pepper as well). Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a cast iron pan or other large saucepan on medium high heat. Once the butter is melted add the lemon and cook until brown on both sides (about 2 minutes per side). Remove lemons from pan and set aside.
- Add the scallops one at a time to the pan. Make sure to space them evenly so they don't steam in the pan. If your pan is small cook in two batches.
- Add the other 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil to the pan. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Only turn and touch one time- no need to move them around in the pan. Flip with tongs to turn at half way cooking point. Do not overcook.
- Take skillet off the heat. Add the lemons back to the pan and garnish with parsley. Serve hot! Mangia!
Nutrition
Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 140mg | Potassium: 96mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 332IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.4mg
