Seared Scallops with Brown Butter and Lemon Pan Sauce

You’ll fall in love with the rich and zesty taste of this dish. The flavor of sweet, succulent, plump and juicy scallops and the addition of capers with their salty, piquant and sharp taste, adds a special zing that sets this meal apart from so many other scallop dishes.

There’s something irresistible about sea scallops with a browned, slightly crisp texture on the outside, and a soft, sweet texture inside that makes this recipe from Epicurious.com a winner:

Seared Scallops with Brown Butter and Lemon Pan Sauce Seared Scallops with Brown Butter and Lemon Pan Sauce

Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 3 lemons
  • Small handful of chives
  • 12 large dry sea scallops
  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • Extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 teaspoons dried capers

Preparation

Cut 2 lemons in half and squeeze juice into a measuring glass or small glass or small bowl; you should have ¼ cup juice. Set aside. Using a paring knife, cut ends off remaining lemon to expose flesh. Upend lemon on a cut end and remove peel and white pith from lemons; discard. Cut between membranes to release segments into bowl with juice; squeeze membranes to get any last drops of juice. Fish out any seeds; set aside. Thinly slice chives and place in a small bowl; set aside.

Pull side muscle off scallops, if needed; pat dry. Season lightly on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet, preferably stainless steel, over medium-high heat. Pour in oil to lightly coat surface (2-3 Tbsp.); heat until it shimmers and you see first wisps of smoke. Swiftly place scallops into skillet, flat side down, and cook without touching, tossing, or fussing until underside is deep golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Use a thick spatula or tongs to gently turn over; if they resist, cook another 30 seconds and try again. Cook on second side until flesh at top and bottom looks opaque but there is still a faintly translucent strip in the middle, 1-2 minutes, depending on size. Transfer scallops to a plate.

Pour off any oil in skillet and set over medium heat. Add butter and cook, swirling, until butter foams, then browns, about 2 minutes. Add reserved lemon juice and segments; energetically stir and swirl pan to emulsify sauce. Mix in capers and reserved chives and spoon pan sauce around and over scallops.

Remember that scallops are very versatile. So if you prefer to grill, broil, or bake your scallops separately and prepare the brown butter and lemon pan sauce on its own, give it a try!