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### Would You Eat These Classic Garlic Butter Seared Scallops? A Luxurious Seafood Delight
If you’ve ever craved a decadent yet simple seafood dish, **Classic Garlic Butter Seared Scallops** should be at the top of your list! These golden-brown, melt-in-your-mouth scallops are seared to perfection and drenched in a luscious, savory garlic butter sauce that will leave you coming back for more. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or new to the world of shellfish, these scallops are an elegant, irresistible choice for dinner parties, romantic meals, or just a luxurious treat to enjoy at home.
### Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Seared Scallops
– **Perfectly Cooked**: When cooked properly, scallops are tender, sweet, and juicy with a slightly caramelized, golden crust.
– **Lush Garlic Butter Sauce**: The garlic butter sauce is the hero of this dish, rich, fragrant, and indulgent, providing the perfect balance of savory, buttery goodness.
– **Quick & Easy**: Ready in less than 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a quick special-occasion dish.
– **Restaurant-Quality at Home**: Scallops may seem fancy, but with this recipe, you can recreate the magic of a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
– **Versatile**: Serve these seared scallops over pasta, rice, or as an appetizer. They’re a great pairing for greens like spinach or a fresh salad.
### Ingredients for Classic Garlic Butter Seared Scallops
For this recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that work together to bring out the natural sweetness of the scallops while elevating them with rich flavors.
– **1 lb sea scallops** (fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen)
– **3 tablespoons unsalted butter**
– **3 cloves garlic** (minced)
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice**
– **1/2 teaspoon lemon zest** (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
– **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
– **Fresh parsley** (chopped, for garnish)
– **Optional**: A pinch of **red pepper flakes** (for a subtle spicy kick)
### How to Make Classic Garlic Butter Seared Scallops
#### Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
1. **Pat Dry**: Begin by patting the **scallops** dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because removing excess moisture will help achieve that perfect golden-brown sear. Wet scallops can steam instead of sear, which results in a less desirable texture.
2. **Season**: Lightly season both sides of the scallops with **salt** and **pepper**. Be generous with the seasoning because the scallops need flavor to balance their delicate sweetness.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
1. **Heat the Pan**: Heat a **large skillet** over medium-high heat. Add **1 tablespoon of olive oil** and let it heat up until shimmering.
2. **Add the Scallops**: Carefully place the seasoned scallops in the pan, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent a proper sear. Sear the scallops for **2-3 minutes** on each side, depending on their size, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Flip them gently with tongs to avoid tearing.
3. **Check for Doneness**: Scallops should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become tough and rubbery. The ideal scallop is tender on the inside, with a crisp, caramelized exterior.
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