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Crispy Pan Seared Scallops Recipe Easy Brown Butter Lemon Caper Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy pan-seared scallops served with a rich brown butter lemon caper sauce. This dish balances buttery richness with bright, tangy flavors and is perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh sea scallops (dry-packed if possible)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Trim the side muscle if still attached. Season both sides lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (Tip: Dry scallops for at least 10 minutes if you have time.)
  2. Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it heat until shimmering but not smoking—about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the scallops to the pan, spacing them apart so they don’t steam. Sear for approximately 2-3 minutes without moving them, until the bottoms develop a golden crust. Flip carefully using tongs or a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. The scallops should feel firm but still springy to the touch.
  4. In a separate small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it foams and turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma—about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and capers. Add chopped parsley if desired.
  5. Transfer the scallops to serving plates and spoon the brown butter lemon caper sauce over them immediately.

Notes

Pat scallops very dry before cooking to ensure a crispy crust. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Use a combination of olive oil and butter to prevent burning. Remove butter from heat as soon as it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Let scallops rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Avoid garlic in the brown butter sauce as it burns quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: scallops, pan seared scallops, brown butter sauce, lemon caper sauce, seafood recipe, easy scallops, quick dinner, gluten-free scallops

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/crispy-pan-seared-scallops-recipe-easy-brown-butter-lemon-caper-sauce/