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Garlic Butter Scallops: Perfect Date Night Dinner

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A quick, elegant, and forgiving recipe for perfectly seared garlic butter scallops. This dish is ideal for date nights or special occasions, featuring a rich sauce made with white wine, lemon, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Sea Scallops (dry-packed preferred)
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup Dry White Wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
  • Kosher Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (stainless steel or cast iron) over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until very hot. Add olive oil and swirl to coat.
  3. Place scallops in the pan in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
  4. Flip scallops and add butter to the pan. Baste scallops continuously with the melting butter for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and firm. Remove scallops to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 1 minute.
  6. Stir in lemon juice and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Return scallops to the pan to warm through and coat in sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure scallops are completely dry before cooking to achieve a good sear rather than steaming. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Scallops cook quickly, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking. They are done when opaque and firm to the touch, feeling like the tip of your nose.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter scallops, date night dinner, seafood recipe, quick dinner, elegant meal, seared scallops, gluten-free

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/garlic-butter-scallops-perfect-date-night-dinner/