Take seared scallops to a new level with this indulgent brown butter and lemon sauce! This dish is sophisticated, simple, and highlights the delicate flavor of sea scallops. Perfectly seared scallops are paired with a rich, nutty brown butter sauce, enhanced with finely chopped onion, briny capers, and a burst of fresh lemon juice.
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
1½ lb large sea scallops
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp capers, drained
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or chives
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the scallops in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 min. on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 2-3 min.
Add the chopped onion and capers to the skillet, cooking until the onion is softened, about 3-4 min. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Return the seared scallops to the skillet, spooning the brown butter sauce over them to coat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Serve the scallops immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!