Indulge in the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity with Seared Scallops in a Zesty Lemon Cream Sauce—a dish that transforms fresh, succulent sea scallops into a gourmet experience. With their golden-brown crust and tender, buttery interior, these scallops are paired with a rich, tangy sauce made from white wine, fresh lemon juice, and velvety cream, creating a dish that’s both decadent and refreshing.
Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner-party entrée or a quick yet sophisticated weeknight meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✔ Easy Yet Elegant – With just a few ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a luxurious meal in under 30 minutes.
✔ Perfectly Seared Scallops – Achieve a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside moist, tender, and delicate.
✔ Bright and Flavorful Sauce – The combination of lemon, white wine, and cream adds depth, richness, and a touch of freshness that elevates the dish.
✔ Versatile and Impressive – Ideal for a romantic dinner, a festive gathering, or a special treat just for yourself.
A Symphony of Flavors
The star of the dish is the perfectly seared scallops, cooked until they develop a deep golden crust that enhances their sweet, briny flavor. The secret to achieving that beautiful sear lies in using high heat, a hot pan, and a touch of butter or oil.
The zesty lemon cream sauce is what takes this dish to the next level. Made with a splash of white wine, fresh lemon juice, and heavy cream, the sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy brightness and velvety richness. A touch of garlic and butter adds warmth and depth, ensuring that every bite is as luxurious as the last.
The Ultimate Pairing
Seared scallops are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect companion to a variety of side dishes. Pair them with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, indulgent meal
- Garlic butter asparagus or sautéed spinach for a light, fresh contrast
- Lemon-infused risotto to enhance the bright citrus notes in the sauce
- Crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the heavenly lemon cream sauce
Effortless Gourmet at Home
What makes this dish truly special is how effortlessly gourmet it feels, without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. In just a few easy steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time—perfect for weeknights or celebrations alike.
So, if you’re ready to experience the perfect harmony of buttery scallops and tangy, creamy lemon sauce, grab your ingredients, heat up your pan, and let’s get cooking! This is one dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white wine
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
- If using frozen scallops, defrost them in the fridge. Once defrosted, pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice sear.
- Season the scallops on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over high heat.
- Once the oil is very hot and just starting to smoke, carefully place the scallops in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear the scallops for 2 minutes on the first side, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the scallops and cook for another 60 seconds on the other side, just until they are firm and browned. Be careful not to overcook the scallops; they should be tender inside.
- Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Cream Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and carefully wipe out the skillet with a paper towel.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in 1 cup of white wine and simmer for about 3 minutes until the wine reduces by half.
- Stir in 2/3 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to finish the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.
Step 4: Serve
- Arrange the seared scallops on a plate or serving platter.
- Drizzle the lemon cream sauce over the top of the scallops, ensuring that each one is coated with the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Cooking Notes:
- Scallop Searing Tip: Make sure the scallops are thoroughly dried before searing. Excess moisture can prevent the scallops from forming a good crust.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Pasta: Serve the scallops and sauce over a bed of linguine or fettuccine for a delicious seafood pasta dish.
- With Vegetables: Pair the scallops with roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for a light and healthy meal.
- With Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy lemon sauce.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the lemon cream sauce in advance and gently reheat it when ready to serve with the scallops.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the scallops and sauce in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 15 minutes
Total Time:
- 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 420mg
Conclusion
Seared Scallops in a Zesty Lemon Cream Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the sweetness of perfectly seared scallops with a rich, tangy lemon cream sauce. Whether served over pasta or paired with vegetables, this dish is sure to impress with its sophisticated flavors and easy preparation. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the delicate taste of scallops with a bright, zesty twist.