Sea Scallops With Lemon Butter Sauce
Sea scallops with lemon butter sauce offer a delightful combination of tender, sweet seafood enhanced by a bright, tangy citrus complement. This elegant dish pairs perfectly with rice and spinach, making it an ideal choice for a quick, sophisticated dinner that appeals to seafood lovers and citrus enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat the sea scallops in flour, then season with salt and pepper.
- Saute the scallops in olive oil and butter in a large skillet over high heat for 2 minutes on each side. Remove scallops and set aside.
- Add butter, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper to the skillet and heat until warmed through.
- Serve the scallops over cooked rice and top with the lemon butter sauce from the skillet.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure scallops are dry before coating with flour to achieve a nice sear. If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute with canola or avocado oil. Fresh parsley can enhance the flavor but feel free to use dried if fresh isn't available. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a light pasta. A glass of white wine complements the flavors well, making it perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the scallops. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but be cautious to not dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sea Scallops With Lemon Butter Sauce contains roughly 262 calories, with 5g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1581mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when scallops are cooked properly?
Scallops are perfectly cooked when they are opaque and firm to the touch, usually taking about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. A golden-brown crust is a good indicator of doneness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).