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Butter-Basted Scallops with Lemon

Pan-seared scallops in a hot skillet, finished with foaming brown butter and fresh lemon. Restaurant-quality in 12 minutes, no fuss.

Total time
12 min
Servings
2
Calories
285
Protein
32g
Butter-Basted Scallops with Lemon
elegantsimplefrenchscallopcrispytenderjuicyweeknight

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high until it's very hot, about 90 seconds. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil.

  2. Step 2

    Season scallops with salt and pepper. Lay them flat in the skillet without moving—let them sear 2 minutes until golden brown.

  3. Step 3

    Flip each scallop once. Cook 90 seconds more until the second side is opaque and edges are caramelized.

  4. Step 4

    Add butter and thyme (if using) to the pan. Tilt the skillet and baste the scallops with foaming butter for 30 seconds.

  5. Step 5

    Slide scallops onto a plate. Squeeze half a lemon over the top and drizzle with browned butter from the pan.

  6. Step 6

    Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tools you’ll need

  • 12-inch stainless steel or cast-iron skillet
  • paper towels
  • tongs or fish spatula
  • citrus juicer or cut lemon

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