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Brown Butter Scallops

Brown Butter Scallops are tender scallops seared to golden brown and coated in a nutty, lemony brown butter sauce. This simple, flavorful dish suits both health-conscious cooks and home chefs.
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb sea scallops about 12-16 large scallops
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ¼ cup dry white wine optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear scallops in a single layer without moving for 2–3 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 1–2 minutes until opaque. Remove and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in the same pan, swirling until golden brown and fragrant (2–3 minutes). Avoid burning.
  • Add minced garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and white wine (optional). Simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Return scallops to the pan, spoon sauce over, and warm 1–2 minutes.
  • Plate scallops, drizzle with sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.