Harbor-Style Seared Scallops Lemon

Tender, golden-seared sea scallops finished with a bright, aromatic lemon-dill butter, evoking the essence of a seaside harbor dinner.

I first served this to friends craving a fresh coastal meal and it was an instant hit.

Ingredients

• Scallops: 1½ pounds (700 g) large sea scallops dry-packed, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon-Dill Butter: 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter softened, 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 small garlic clove minced, Pinch of sea salt
• Garnish (Optional): Lemon wedges, Extra fresh dill sprigs

Instructions

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Step 1:

Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Step 3:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast-iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 4:

Place scallops in the skillet in a single layer, spacing them apart. Sear without moving for 2 3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms.

Step 5:

Flip the scallops and sear the other side for 1 2 minutes just until opaque and barely firm to the touch. Do not overcook.

Step 6:

Immediately transfer scallops to a platter. While still hot, top with dollops of the lemon-dill butter allowing it to melt over the scallops.

Step 7:

Garnish with lemon wedges and dill sprigs. Serve at once.

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

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This dish always brings my family together for a delightful harbor-style meal full of fresh flavors.

Required Tools

Large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel recommended), Mixing bowl, Paper towels, Tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish and dairy (butter). For dairy-free versions, substitute with plant-based butter.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 265, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 3 g, Protein 26 g

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Protect hands when handling hot pans, baking sheets, and cookware while cooking or removing dishes from the oven.

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Serve immediately to enjoy the scallops at their best texture and flavor.

Your Questions Answered

→ How do I achieve a perfect sear on scallops?

Ensure scallops are completely dry before seasoning and use a hot skillet with olive oil. Sear each side without moving for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust while keeping the inside tender.

→ What is the role of lemon-dill butter in this dish?

The lemon-dill butter adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the scallops and imparts a subtle herbal aroma.

→ Can I prepare the lemon-dill butter in advance?

Yes, the lemon-dill butter can be mixed and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead of cooking to enhance flavors and save preparation time.

→ What sides pair well with seared scallops and lemon-dill butter?

Light green salads, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread balance the richness of the butter and the delicate scallops effectively.

→ Are there any recommended wines to accompany this dish?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling complement the bright, fresh notes of the lemon-dill butter and the sweetness of the scallops.