Description
Succulent seafood dreams come alive with perfectly seared scallops, a culinary masterpiece that elevates dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Golden-brown edges and delicate interiors promise an elegant dining experience you’ll savor with pure coastal delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 1 pound (454 grams) large sea scallops (about 10–12 scallops)
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Cooking Fats and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Meticulously dry the scallops using clean kitchen towels, eliminating excess moisture to guarantee a perfect caramelized exterior.
- Generously season both surfaces of the scallops with a blend of kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional smoky paprika for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet over intense medium-high heat, introducing olive oil until the surface shimmers with anticipation.
- Carefully arrange scallops in the skillet, maintaining strategic spacing to prevent steaming and promote individual caramelization.
- Allow the first side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 90-120 seconds, resisting the urge to disturb the delicate morsels.
- Gently flip each scallop, revealing the gorgeous seared surface, and cook the opposite side for an additional 60-90 seconds.
- Reduce the heat and introduce butter and finely minced garlic, creating a fragrant emulsion that will envelop the scallops with luxurious aromatics.
- Delicately baste the scallops with the infused garlic butter, allowing the flavors to meld for approximately 30 seconds.
- Eliminate the skillet from heat and brighten the dish with a vibrant splash of fresh lemon juice.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately to preserve the scallops’ tender, succulent texture.
Notes
- Pat scallops super dry to achieve that golden, crispy exterior without steaming them.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for the most even, intense heat distribution and perfect caramelization.
- Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops over wet-packed ones for better searing and cleaner flavor profile.
- Season scallops right before cooking to prevent moisture draw-out and ensure maximum flavor retention.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg