Dinner

Lemon Butter Scallops

Name: Lemon Butter Scallops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 16 oz sea scallops; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 lemon juiced; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Noah Blake February 28, 2026

Total Time: 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

Sea scallops seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a tangy lemon butter sauce with garlic and parsley

Lemon Butter Scallops serve up tender sea scallops seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a tangy lemon butter sauce with garlic and parsley. This quick seafood recipe turns simple scallops into an irresistible dinner centerpiece with a blistering sear in olive oil and butter, finished by bright lemon juice that clings to every morsel. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s the perfect way to bring restaurant flair to your weeknight table. Dive in and discover how to make this easy, elegant dish!

Key Ingredients

To create these luscious Lemon Butter Scallops, you only need a handful of fresh, pantry-friendly staples. Here’s what you need to bring these flavors together:

16 oz sea scallops: Tender shellfish that sear beautifully, delivering a sweet, briny center.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce with silky, creamy texture and a hint of sweetness.
1 tbsp olive oil: Provides a high-heat base for a perfect, golden crust without burning the butter.
2 cloves garlic minced: Infuses aromatic warmth and depth into the lemon butter sauce.
1 lemon juiced: Brightens every bite with fresh acidity that balances the richness.
Salt to taste: Enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops and ties all flavors together.
Black pepper to taste: Adds a gentle heat and fragrant spice.
2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped: Lends a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish.

How To Make Lemon Butter Scallops

Taking just minutes to prepare, this method ensures each scallop gets a gorgeous sear and is coated in a luscious lemon garlic sauce. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, restaurant-worthy scallops every time.

1. Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a clean sear and balanced taste.

2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering.

3. Carefully add the scallops to the hot skillet in a single layer, leaving space between each, and sear undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a golden crust.

4. Flip the scallops using tongs and cook for another 1–2 minutes until they turn opaque and golden brown on the second side.

5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan.

6. Stir gently until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds, making sure not to burn the garlic.

7. Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the scallops and use a spoon to baste each one with the rich sauce for an even coating.

8. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for a pop of color, then remove the pan from the heat and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these buttery scallops into a memorable meal by pairing them with complementary sides that soak up every drop of sauce. Here are four crowd-pleasing ideas:

Over Steamed Rice: Spoon scallops and sauce onto fluffy jasmine or basmati rice so each grain captures the buttery lemon juices.
With Linguine: Toss cooked linguine in a bit of olive oil and garlic, then top with scallops for an effortless seafood pasta.
Alongside a Crisp Salad: Serve with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to contrast the rich scallops.
On Toasted Baguette Slices: Arrange scallops on crisp, buttery bread for an elegant appetizer or light lunch that doubles as dippable fun.

Tips For Perfect Lemon Butter Scallops

Getting that restaurant-quality finish is all about technique and timing. Here are some friendly pointers to help you nail every step:

When those scallops hit the pan, you want an incredible crust and a sauce that sings of lemon and garlic. Use these hints to boost your confidence and get perfect results every time.

Use well-dried scallops to achieve a perfect sear. Excess moisture steams them instead of browning.
Serve immediately to enjoy scallops at their best texture. The buttery sauce and crust are most delightful right off the stove.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your taste preference. Start with half, then squeeze more if you crave extra zing.
Pair with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that keeps the flavors balanced and fun.

How To Store It

Whether you’re saving leftovers or prepping for another night, proper storage keeps these scallops tasting as fresh as day one. Follow these simple methods:

Refrigerate cooled scallops in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm skillet with a small knob of butter to avoid overcooking.
Freeze the lemon butter sauce (without scallops) in a sealed bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly on the stovetop.
Separate Storage: Store scallops and sauce apart to keep textures optimal. Combine them only when you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are quick answers to the questions we get the most about Lemon Butter Scallops:

Q: How long does it take to prepare and cook Lemon Butter Scallops?

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish, including 5 minutes to pat dry, season and heat the pan, 4 to 5 minutes to sear the scallops, and a few minutes to finish with butter, garlic and lemon sauce.

Q: How can I achieve a perfect golden brown sear on the scallops?

Make sure the scallops are patted very dry and at room temperature, heat the oil and butter until shimmering over medium-high heat, then add scallops without crowding and let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes on one side before flipping.

Q: Can I use frozen scallops, and if so, how should I prepare them?

Yes, use raw, frozen scallops that have been fully thawed overnight in the refrigerator, then rinse and pat them extremely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a proper sear.

Q: What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh garlic or lemon juice?

If fresh garlic isn’t available, use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder dissolved in a teaspoon of water and add it at the same time you’d add minced garlic, and if you lack fresh lemon, substitute with 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar or bottled lemon juice to taste.

Q: How can I adjust the lemon butter sauce if I prefer a milder or more intense flavor?

To mellow the sauce, reduce the lemon juice to 1 teaspoon and add an extra pat of butter, and to intensify the citrus, increase the lemon juice by up to another tablespoon and finish with a light squeeze of lemon zest.

Q: What are the best side dishes to serve with Lemon Butter Scallops?

Lemon Butter Scallops pair wonderfully with steamed rice or risotto, tossed pasta with olive oil and herbs, or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to complement the bright, buttery sauce.

Q: Can I prepare any components in advance and how should I store leftovers?

You can season the scallops up to one hour ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator, but cook them just before serving; if you have leftovers, store cooled scallops and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a warm skillet with a little butter to avoid overcooking.

What Makes This Special

Lemon Butter Scallops shine because they balance sweet, briny scallops with rich butter, bright lemon, and punchy garlic—no complicated steps required. The sear-locks in flavor, while the sauce clings like a silky hug, making each bite utterly irresistible. Jot down these notes, hit print, and stash this guide where you’ll remember it for your next seafood craving. Got questions, tweaks, or triumphant stories to share? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing how your kitchen adventures turned out!

Print Recipe