Description
A quick, luxurious, and comforting weeknight dinner featuring seared scallops in nutty garlic butter, topped with crunchy lemon breadcrumbs. Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds (680g) fresh scallops, side muscles removed
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, half of the lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumb mixture and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden and crunchy. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-high heat. Add remaining olive oil and heat until shimmering.
- Place scallops in the pan in a single layer without crowding. Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip scallops and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque throughout. Remove scallops to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Once foaming, add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Return scallops to the pan. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle with crispy lemon breadcrumbs, remaining lemon zest, and a final crack of black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure scallops are completely dry before searing to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Toast breadcrumbs separately to maintain crunchiness. Garlic burns quickly, so add it at the end. Scallops cook fast and become rubbery if overcooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6-8 sc
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: garlic butter scallops, lemon breadcrumbs, quick dinner, weeknight meals, seafood recipe, comfort food, gluten-free option