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Seared Scallops · Brown Butter Lemon

Seared Scallops with Brown Butter and Lemon

Very dry scallops, a very hot pan and a few minutes of patience give you a deep golden crust. Brown butter and lemon make a two-ingredient sauce.

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Prep
15 min
Cook
6 min
Total
21 min
Serves
2
Level
Medium

Ingredients

  • 12 oz sea scallops, large, dry-packed (about 8 to 10)
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic, smashed
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Cook to 145°F inside (check with a thermometer).

Steps

  1. Pull off the small, tough side muscle from each scallop if it's still attached.
  2. Lay the scallops on paper towels and pat the tops very dry. Let them sit to dry further while the pan heats.
  3. Season the scallops with salt and pepper on both flat sides right before cooking.
  4. Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke.
  5. Place the scallops flat side down, spaced apart. Don't move them until a deep golden crust forms.
  6. Flip each scallop with tongs. Add the butter, garlic and thyme.
  7. Tilt the pan and spoon the foaming butter over the scallops until the sides are opaque and the scallops feel firm, 145°F (63°C).
  8. Move the scallops to plates.
  9. Let the butter keep cooking until it smells nutty and turns golden brown.
  10. Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice. It will sputter.
  11. Spoon the brown butter over the scallops and sprinkle with parsley.

Tip: Buy "dry" scallops, not "wet" ones treated with a solution. Wet scallops weep water and won't brown.

Tip: Place them in the pan clockwise, starting at 12 o'clock, so you know which to flip first.

Tip: Don't crowd the pan. For more than 12 oz, sear in two batches.

Storage: Best eaten right away.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 340 calories · protein 21 g · carbohydrates 7 g · fiber 0 g · sugars 0 g · fat 25 g (saturated 12 g) · sodium 1,110 mg. Estimate from USDA FoodData Central; not medical or dietary advice. Based on 8 of 8 ingredients.