Perfect Pan Seared Sea Scallops Recipe + Lemon Chive Butter

If you love seafood, then you will absolutely love this pan-seared sea scallops recipe that cooks in under 5 minutes.

Scallops are bivalve mollusk that is a muscle that is encapsulated into two shells. It’s in the same family as a mussel, clam, or oyster. Scallops are most commonly sold shucked with the foot attached. The foot is what attaches the scallop to the shell, and I advise removing it because it can be chewy once cooked.

Ingredients for this recipe:

• 8 ounces softened unsalted butter + 2 tablespoons
• ½ peeled and finely minced shallot
• 2 finely minced cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 pound U12 sea scallops, foot removed
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/3 cup white wine
• sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Procedures:

1. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment whip together the 2 sticks of butter for 4-6 minutes on medium to high speed until it is light and fluffy.
2. Next, add in the lemon juice and mix until combined, about 1 minute.
3. Add in the garlic, shallot, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, chives, and salt and pepper until completely combined. Chill.
4. Remove the foot of the scallops, pat dry with paper towels, and season the scallops on both sides with salt and pepper.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a sauté pan over high heat until it begins to lightly smoke. Add in the scallops quickly and turn the heat down to medium-high.
6. Immediately add in the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to help brown and season the scallops
7. Turn the scallops over after 1:30 to 2 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom.
8. Cook the scallops for a further 30 to 45 seconds or until the desired internal temperature is achieved.
9. Remove the scallops and deglaze with the white wine and cook until it is almost gone over medium heat, about 2 to 3 minutes.
10. Remove the pan from the burner and add in 1/4 cup of the herb butter and whisk until melted. Reserve the remaining in the freezer for a later date!

Chef Notes:

Make-Ahead: Scallops are meant to be eaten as soon as they are finished cooking.

How to Reheat: Re-sear the scallops in the exact same method but cut the cooking times in half as to not overcook. You can also reheat in the microwave.

How to Store: Cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These will not freeze well, and I would recommend freezing un-cooked.

Scallops are meant to be eaten at a more medium-internal temperature.

They will overcook very quickly and become very chewy.

If you have the option always buy dry-packed scallops.

Also, try serving the scallops with a simple beurre blanc.

There will be plenty of herb compound butter leftover that is perfect for freezing.