Honey Free Lemon Butter Scallops
Few dishes deliver the kind of restaurant-worthy drama that perfectly seared scallops do, and this lemon butter version is proof that elegant cooking doesn't have to be complicated. The key is starting with dry-packed sea scallops and a screaming-hot pan — that combination is what builds the deep, golden crust that makes each bite so satisfying. A quick pan sauce of garlic, red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and grass-fed butter comes together in minutes, picking up all those caramelized bits from the bottom of the skillet for maximum flavor. Many store-bought or restaurant sauces sneak in sweeteners that people following a honey-free lifestyle have to watch out for, but every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify. The finishing touch of fresh flat-leaf parsley brightens the whole plate and adds a pop of color that makes this look far more impressive than the effort involved. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and something to soak up that glossy, garlicky sauce — it would be a shame to leave a drop behind.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ lb large dry-packed sea scallops (about 16–20 count)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the sauce
- 3 tbsp grass-fed unsalted butter, cut into 3 pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 ½ lemons)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels — press firmly on all sides. Season both flat faces with the salt and black pepper.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet over high heat until the oil just begins to smoke. Add the scallops in a single layer, flat side down, leaving at least 1 inch between each one. Sear undisturbed for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes, until a deep golden-brown crust forms on the underside and the scallop releases easily from the pan.
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