Harbor Seared Scallops Lemon Dill

Tender, golden-seared sea scallops finished with a bright, aromatic lemon-dill butter, evoking the essence of a seaside harbor dinner.

This recipe reminds me of fresh summer evenings by the sea, sharing delicious food with family and friends.

Ingredients

• Scallops: 1½ pounds (700 g) large sea scallops dry-packed, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon-Dill Butter: 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter softened, 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 small garlic clove minced, pinch of sea salt
• Garnish (Optional): Lemon wedges, extra fresh dill sprigs

Instructions

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Step 1:

Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Step 3:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast-iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 4:

Place scallops in the skillet in a single layer, spacing them apart. Sear without moving for 23 minutes, until a deep golden crust forms.

Step 5:

Flip the scallops and sear the other side for 12 minutes, just until opaque and barely firm to the touch. Do not overcook.

Step 6:

Immediately transfer scallops to a platter. While still hot, top with dollops of the lemon-dill butter allowing it to melt over the scallops.

Step 7:

Garnish with lemon wedges and dill sprigs. Serve at once.

Whisk eggs, batters, sauces, and cream smoothly for baking, cooking, and everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Whisk eggs, batters, sauces, and cream smoothly for baking, cooking, and everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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This dish often brings back warm memories of family dinners by the coast where fresh seafood was celebrated.

Required Tools

Large skillet cast iron or stainless steel recommended, mixing bowl, paper towels, tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish and dairy butter. For dairy-free, substitute with plant-based butter.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 265, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 3 g, Protein 26 g

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Enjoy the perfect balance of seared scallops and fresh lemon-dill butter in this quick yet impressive dish.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve a perfect sear on scallops?

Ensure scallops are patted dry to remove moisture, heat the skillet until shimmering, then sear without moving for 2–3 minutes to develop a golden crust.

→ What is the purpose of the lemon-dill butter?

The lemon-dill butter adds brightness and herbal freshness that complements the natural sweetness of scallops, enhancing the overall flavor.

→ Can I prepare the lemon-dill butter in advance?

Yes, it can be mixed and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead to save time on the day of cooking.

→ What type of skillet is best for searing scallops?

Cast iron or stainless steel skillets are recommended for even heat and a good sear.

→ How do you know when scallops are cooked properly?

They should be opaque and just firm to the touch, typically after searing 2–3 minutes on one side and 1–2 minutes on the other, avoiding overcooking.