Oh, you guys are in for a treat with this one! Creamy Lemon Garlic Scallops are the epitome of an elegant, restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. Picture tender, succulent scallops in a velvety garlic lemon sauce—rich, buttery, and bursting with zesty freshness. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or a cozy family dinner, this dish is bound to impress!
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And trust me, you’re going to love how quickly it comes together—within minutes, you’ll have a gourmet dinner on the table that’ll make you feel like a pro chef. Let’s dive in and see why this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Garlic Scallops
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about treating yourself to something that feels indulgent without any of the fuss. Here’s why it’s a crowd-pleaser:
Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull this off! With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-style dish right at home. It’s the perfect meal for when you want something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Bursting with Flavor: The garlic adds a savory punch while the lemon brightens up the whole dish, making each bite refreshing and exciting. Plus, the creamy sauce is silky and rich, making the scallops melt in your mouth.
Elegant Yet Comforting: This dish looks fancy, but the ingredients are simple and accessible. It strikes the perfect balance between feeling luxurious and comforting at the same time.
Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of roasted veggies—this dish pairs well with just about anything! It’s versatile enough for a date night, a special occasion, or a weeknight treat.
Healthy and Light: If you’re looking for a lighter dinner that still packs a flavor punch, these scallops are your answer. The creamy sauce is rich without being overwhelming, and the scallops themselves are low in fat but full of protein.
Ingredients in Creamy Lemon Garlic Scallops
Let’s break it down! These ingredients are all you need to make a beautiful, flavorful dish:
Scallops: The star of the show. Sweet, tender, and perfectly seared, scallops are the ultimate seafood indulgence. Make sure you get fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best texture.
Garlic: A must for this recipe. Garlic adds that savory depth that pairs perfectly with the scallops and sauce.
Lemon: Both the zest and juice are essential for that fresh, citrusy zing. It brightens up the rich cream and perfectly balances the flavor.
Heavy Cream: This creates the dreamy, velvety sauce that wraps around the scallops, making every bite pure indulgence.
Butter: To sear the scallops and make the sauce rich and silky. A little bit of butter goes a long way in this recipe.
Parmesan: Adds a nice, sharp, nutty flavor to the creamy sauce that complements the sweetness of the scallops.
Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish. Plus, it adds a lovely herby note that rounds out the flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to cook up this flavorful dish? Let’s jump into the steps:
Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This helps them sear properly and get that golden brown crust. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Scallops: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the scallops to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them—they should be opaque and tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits left in the pan. Let it simmer for a minute to thicken.
Add the Lemon and Parmesan: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, smooth texture.
Return the Scallops to the Pan: Add the scallops back into the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Let everything cook together for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or alongside some steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Scallops
These scallops are fantastic on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Here are a few ideas to enhance your dining experience:
Pasta: Serve over a bed of linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a classic pairing.
Rice: A side of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the creamy sauce wonderfully.
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or crispy Brussels sprouts make a perfect, light complement to the richness of the scallops.
Garlic Bread: Who can resist some crunchy, buttery garlic bread to mop up that luscious sauce?
Additional Tips
Searing the Scallops: Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the scallops to get that perfect sear. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the scallops won’t develop that golden crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, cook the scallops in batches. Overcrowding the pan will cause them to steam instead of sear.
Customizing the Sauce: You can add a little white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor, or throw in some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the scallops’ texture.
Freezing: Scallops don’t freeze well, so this is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, make sure to finish them off within a couple of days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen scallops?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Q2: Can I make this recipe without cream?
A2: You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the scallops.
Q4: Can I add other seafood?
A4: Absolutely! Shrimp or lobster tail would pair wonderfully with this dish. Just adjust the cooking times for each type of seafood.
Q5: How do I know when scallops are done?
A5: Scallops are done when they’re opaque and firm to the touch. They cook very quickly, so don’t overdo it—about 2-3 minutes per side is usually perfect.
Q6: Can I make this ahead of time?
A6: Scallops are best when cooked fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just add the scallops at the last minute to keep them tender.
Q7: What should I serve with these scallops?
A7: You can serve them with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad. They also go great with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
Q8: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A8: Yes, you can use pecorino or Gruyère cheese for a different flavor profile. Parmesan gives a nice balance, but other cheeses work too!
Q9: Can I make the sauce without butter?
A9: Yes! You can use olive oil as a substitute for butter if you prefer a lighter option or are looking to avoid dairy.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your skillet is big enough to accommodate all the scallops without overcrowding.
Conclusion
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Scallops recipe is the perfect way to bring a little elegance to your dinner table without the stress. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself, these scallops are bound to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a truly delicious meal!
Print
Creamy Lemon Garlic Scallops
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
Description
These Creamy Lemon Garlic Scallops are the perfect seafood dish with a rich white wine cream sauce, fresh lemon, and garlic. A quick and easy dinner option that’s full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb scallops
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp pepper, or to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup white wine (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Freshly chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted and begins to bubble, add the scallops.
- Sear the scallops for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the scallops and set aside on a plate.
- Add the butter to the skillet and cook for 20-30 seconds, or until it begins to brown. Pour the wine into the skillet and stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let it bubble for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the cream and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a bubble, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the scallops back into the skillet with any juices that have collected. Turn off the heat and toss the scallops in the sauce to warm them through. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
- You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 361
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 140mg