Lemon Butter Scallops

Scallops are one of my favorite food items to order while out to eat in the summertime. I do not know why I do not cook them myself more often because they are very quick and easy. I tried out a lemon butter sauce recipe for my pound of scallops with a side salad and it turned out delicious. The best part about scallops is that a glass of your favorite Sauvignon Blanc marries the flavors perfectly together!

All you need is 5 ingredients and 10 minutes. I do suggest preparing your side dishes ahead of time since the scallops cook fast!  

For ingredients you will need the following: 

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 

1 pound scallops 

Salt and black pepper, to taste 

Ingredients for the lemon butter sauce: 

2 tablespoons unsalted butter 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

Juice of 1 lemon 

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional) 

Instructions: 

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium high heat.

Rinse scallops with cold water and thoroughly pat dry. Season scallops with salt and pepper, to taste. Working in batches, add scallops to the pan and cook, flipping once, until golden brown and translucent in the center (about 1-2 minutes per side). Set aside and cover to keep warm. 

To make the lemon butter sauce, melt 2 tablespoons butter in your pan. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper, to taste. 

Pour the lemon butter sauce over your scallops and garnish with parsley, if desired. Bon appetit!