Description
A forgiving, fast, and beginner-proof recipe for searing scallops in garlic butter with a crispy lemon parmesan breadcrumb crust. Ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) dry sea scallops
- 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (approx. 80g) coarse breadcrumbs (from stale sourdough, white, or whole wheat bread)
- 1 medium lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 tbsp (10g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the breadcrumbs: Pulse stale bread in a food processor until coarse. Mix with parmesan, lemon zest, and thyme in a small bowl.
- Dry and season scallops: Pat scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels and remove the side muscle. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Toast breadcrumbs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp butter. Once melted, add breadcrumb mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and nutty. Transfer to a plate.
- Sear scallops: Increase heat to medium-high. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to the pan. Once hot and shimmering, place scallops in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 1.5 to 2 minutes until opaque and firm but springy.
- Add garlic: In the last 30 seconds, add minced garlic to the pan and swirl to coat. Remove from heat immediately.
- Plate and serve: Arrange scallops on a plate, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them, and sprinkle generously with the crispy breadcrumb mixture.
Notes
Use ‘dry’ scallops if possible; wet scallops release water and prevent browning. If using wet scallops, soak in milk for 30 minutes, rinse, and dry extremely well. Do not crowd the pan or scallops will steam. Add garlic at the very end to prevent burning. Scallops are done at 125°F (52°C).
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: garlic butter scallops, easy seafood recipe, beginner cooking, quick dinner, seared scallops, lemon breadcrumbs