Table for Two
Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce…
There’s something undeniably romantic about cooking together, especially when the dish in question is a tantalizing blend of elegance and flavor.
Picture this: an intimate evening at home, a candlelit table set for two and the irresistible aroma of seared scallops and lemon wafting through the air. This isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience, and it starts with seared scallops with lemon butter sauce.
And don’t worry about stressing out over a complicated recipe. All you need are five ingredients and 10 minutes for the tastiest buttery scallops. So easy, so simple, so elegant!
Seared scallops are a perfect choice for a romantic dinner. The delicate, sweet flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them an impressive dish that feels indulgent without being heavy. Paired with a bright and zesty lemon butter sauce, this dish is guaranteed to wow your significant other and make the evening unforgettable.
Tips on Shopping for Scallops
When shopping for scallops, remember:
• Bay scallops are bite-sized, about ½ inch in diameter, sweeter and more tender.
• Sea scallops are about 2 inches in diameter, saltier, thicker and chewier. For this recipe, we are calling for the sea variety.
There is also a difference between dry scallops and wet scallops.
• Wet scallops are treated with water and preservatives and have a higher water content. They are generally more expensive due to the added weight. Wet scallops will often look pure snow-white. Due to the added moisture, the wet variety will often not caramelize as well as dry.
• Dry scallops are not treated with preservatives, therefore their shelf life is much shorter, although much fresher than wet scallops. They have a slightly tan, vanilla color, almost even grey and sometimes pink appearance. For this recipe, we are calling for dry scallops.
Setting the Scene
The ambiance is just as important as the food when it comes to creating a romantic dining experience. Set the table with your best dinnerware, light the candles, and play some chill background music. The goal is to create an atmosphere that feels special and intimate, enhancing the sensory experience of the meal.
To complement the dish, consider serving a chilled, crisp bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay. These wines have the acidity and brightness to match the lemon butter sauce, enhancing the flavors of the scallops without overpowering them.
For side dishes, try rice and green beans or asparagus.
So, light those candles, heat up that skillet, and get ready to whisk your loved one off their feet with a romantic, home-cooked dinner to remember. •
Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce
Servings: 2 | Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the scallops
• 2 T unsalted butter
• 1 lb. (about 6-8) sea scallops
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the lemon butter sauce
• 3 T unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 T freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 T chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Step 1: Melt butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Remove the small side muscle from the scallops, rinse with cold water and thoroughly pat dry.
Step 3: Season scallops with salt and pepper, to taste. Working in batches, add scallops to the skillet in a single layer and cook, flipping once, until golden brown and translucent in the center, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 4: Serve scallops immediately with lemon butter sauce, garnished with parsley, if desired.
For the lemon butter sauce
Step 1: Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Note: Leftover scallops can be rubbery when reheated in the microwave. For best results, reheat in the oven at 200 degrees, covered in aluminum foil until warmed through.
