Minute Garlic Butter Scallops

$- 1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges, for serving When making Minute Garlic Butter Scallops, you need just a few key ingredients. First, you want fresh sea scallops. They should be cleaned and dry. This helps them sear well. Next, you need unsalted butter. Butter gives the scallops a rich taste. Garlic adds a nice punch of flavor. Minced garlic cooks fast, so it’s perfect for this dish. For seasoning, fresh lemon juice brightens the scallops. Chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They enhance the taste of the scallops. Lastly, lemon wedges are great for serving. They add a zesty touch that pairs well. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in enhancing flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this quick meal. You can enjoy gourmet flavors in just minutes. Use quality ingredients for the best results. First, season the cleaned scallops with salt and pepper. This step adds great flavor. Use just enough to coat both sides. Next, ensure the scallops are clean and dry. Pat them with paper towels. Dry scallops will sear better and create a nice crust. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter starts to foam. This means it is hot enough. Then, add the scallops to the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes. They should turn golden brown on one side. Flip the scallops over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. The center should be opaque, and the outside seared. Now, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the scallops. Cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to smell great but not burn. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the scallops for brightness. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and flavor. This adds a nice touch. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. These make a lovely garnish and enhance the dish. Enjoy your flavorful Minute Garlic Butter Scallops! To get nice, golden-brown scallops, start with dry scallops. If they are wet, they won’t sear well. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps form that beautiful crust. Place them in a hot pan but don’t crowd them. If too many scallops are in the pan, they will steam instead of sear. Cook them for about 2 minutes on one side. Once they’re golden, flip them for another 1-2 minutes. The center should look opaque and firm. You can easily boost the taste of your scallops. Herbs like thyme or basil work great. A pinch of paprika adds warmth. For a twist, try adding a dash of chili flakes for heat. Want more? Top your scallops with crispy bacon or fresh avocado. These toppings will make your dish even more special. Experiment to find your perfect flavor blend, and enjoy the process! {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your Minute Garlic Butter Scallops. Adding spices gives you new flavors. Try adding paprika for a smoky kick. Use chili flakes for some heat. These spices mix well with the rich butter and garlic. You can also add white wine or broth to your dish. Pour in a splash of white wine after searing the scallops. Let it cook down for a minute. This adds a nice depth to the sauce. If you prefer broth, chicken or vegetable broth works well too. Just add it after the garlic for a savory boost. You can serve your scallops in many ways. One delicious option is to serve them over pasta or rice. The buttery sauce soaks into the pasta or rice, making every bite tasty. Pairing your scallops with vegetables or salads is also great. Light greens like arugula or spinach add freshness. You can sauté some seasonal veggies too. Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini complement scallops nicely. These choices create a balanced meal that is both quick and satisfying. To keep your scallops fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the scallops cool down before sealing. This step prevents condensation and keeps them from getting soggy. Store them in the fridge. They will last for one to two days. If you need more time, freeze them. Place them in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. You can reheat scallops in two ways: in the microwave or on the stovetop. The stovetop is better for keeping their texture. Heat a small amount of butter in a skillet over low heat. Place the scallops in the pan, gently warming them for a few minutes. For the microwave, use a low power setting. Heat them for short bursts, checking often. This method may make them a bit rubbery. Always cover the scallops while reheating to maintain moisture. Enjoy your dish just as delightful as when you first made it! Scallops cook fast. Usually, they take about 3 to 4 minutes in total. You will sear them for 2 minutes on one side. Then, flip them and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The key is to watch the color. They should turn golden brown outside and opaque inside. Yes, you can use frozen scallops. First, you must thaw them. Place the scallops in the fridge overnight. If you need them quick, you can run them under cold water for about 30 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry. This helps them sear nicely. You can tell scallops are done by their color and texture. They should be opaque all the way through. If you poke them with a fork, they should feel firm but springy. Overcooked scallops become tough, so watch them closely. You now have a clear guide to cooking scallops. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Perfectly cooked scallops are easy with practice. Customize flavors and serve them in many ways. Don’t forget to store and reheat leftovers correctly. Enjoy your cooking journey with scallops and impress your family and friends. This dish can be a star at any meal. Happy cooking!$

Minute Garlic Butter Scallops

Savor the taste of the sea with this quick and easy Minute Garlic Butter Scallops recipe! Delight in perfectly seared scallops bathed in rich garlic butter and fresh lemon juice, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special treat! Dive into this mouth-watering dish and impress your guests with minimal effort. Click to explore the full recipe and make your meal unforgettable! #GarlicButterScallops #SeafoodRecipes #QuickDinner #EasyCooking

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Ingredients

1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Start by seasoning the cleaned scallops with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor.

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until it starts to foam.

Once the butter is hot, add the scallops to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes on one side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Flip the scallops over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. The scallops should be opaque in the center and seared on the outside.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the scallops in the garlic and butter for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt.

Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the scallops and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 15 min | Servings: 2