Nif's Seared Scallops

Elevate your dinner game with Nif's Seared Scallops, an elegant yet approachable recipe perfect for seafood lovers. This dish highlights tender, golden-seared scallops paired with a rich, buttery garlic-lemon sauce infused with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan for added depth. The secret to perfection lies in patting the scallops dry for a flawless crust and deglazing the pan to capture all the savory browned bits for the sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick gourmet recipe is ideal for date nights or special occasions, served alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every decadent drop. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic home cook, these scallops promise restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 large Sea scallops
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels, ensuring there is no excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a proper sear.

Step 2

Season both sides of the scallops with salt and black pepper evenly.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.

Step 4

Once the butter has melted and is slightly foaming, gently place the scallops in the skillet, making sure they are not touching each other. Cook in batches if necessary.

Step 5

Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, without moving them, until a golden crust forms.

Step 6

Carefully flip the scallops using tongs or a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. The scallops should be opaque and slightly springy to the touch when done. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate tented loosely with foil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Let it melt and become slightly browned, which adds a nutty flavor.

Step 8

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 9

Deglaze the skillet by adding the lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavorful brown bits.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in the chopped parsley. Stir to combine.

Step 11

Return the scallops to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and allow them to briefly warm in the sauce (about 1 minute).

Step 12

Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan if desired, alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(471.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	873.9

Total Fat 54.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 244.6mg	0%
Sodium 4849.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 25.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.8g	0%
Total Sugars 0.9g
Protein 76.9g	0%

Vitamin D 2IU	0%
Calcium 145.2mg	0%
Iron 2.4mg	0%
Potassium 1312.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.7%

Protein: 34.2%

Carbs: 11.1%