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Crispy Pan Seared Scallops Recipe with Easy Brown Butter Lemon Caper Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy pan seared scallops served with a nutty, tangy brown butter lemon caper sauce. Perfect for an impressive yet simple dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) sea scallops, fresh or thawed, large size preferred (dry-packed for best searing)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, neutral or light
  • 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons (20 g) capers, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Remove the small side muscle if attached.
  2. Lightly season both sides of the scallops with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let rest on a plate.
  3. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Place scallops in the pan spaced apart (about 6 at a time). Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are golden brown and scallops release easily.
  5. Flip scallops gently using tongs or a fish spatula. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden and center is opaque but slightly translucent.
  6. Transfer scallops to a warm plate and let rest.
  7. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Cook until butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons rinsed capers. Let sauce bubble gently for 30 seconds.
  9. Turn off heat, stir in chopped fresh parsley if using, and spoon sauce over scallops. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat scallops dry thoroughly to ensure a crispy crust. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain high heat and prevent steaming. Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. For dairy-free, substitute butter with ghee or olive oil. Fresh lemon juice can be swapped with Meyer lemon for a sweeter flavor. Adding smoked paprika or chili flakes can add a subtle heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: scallops, pan seared scallops, brown butter sauce, lemon caper sauce, seafood, quick dinner, easy scallops, crispy scallops

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-pan-seared-scallops-recipe-with-easy-brown-butter-lemon-caper-sauce/