Harbor Seared Scallops Lemon

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

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Category: Main Dish Difficulty: Medium Cuisine: American, Coastal Yield: 4 servings Diet: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free

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

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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 23 minutes, until a deep golden crust forms.

Step 5:

Flip the scallops and sear the other side for 12 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.

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

Check price on Amazon

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

Check price on Amazon

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This dish brings a close memory of seaside dinners with family, where the bright lemon and fresh dill filled the air as we shared stories and laughter around the table.

Notes

Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling. To make ahead, prepare the lemon-dill butter up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains Shellfish, Dairy (butter). If using pre-packaged butter, check for possible milk allergens. For dairy-free, substitute with plant-based butter.

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Prep meals effortlessly by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dinner with the right knife always ready.

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Enjoy this elegant yet simple recipe that brings the taste of the coast right to your dinner table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of scallops work best for this dish?

Dry-packed large sea scallops are ideal as they sear better and maintain texture without excess moisture.

→ How do I achieve the perfect sear on scallops?

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, then place scallops spaced apart, searing without moving until a deep golden crust forms on each side.

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

Yes, the lemon-dill butter can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated, allowing flavors to meld.

→ What dishes complement these seared scallops?

Consider pairing with crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad for a well-rounded coastal-style meal.

→ Is there a recommended wine pairing?

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling wines complement the bright citrus and fresh dill flavors perfectly.