Harbor Style Seared Scallops

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

This recipe brings back memories of relaxing seaside evenings with family, where the flavors of the ocean meet the freshness of lemon and dill.

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

Serve homemade meals comfortably with sturdy utensils and steak knives for everyday dining and special dinners.

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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.

Serve homemade meals comfortably with sturdy utensils and steak knives for everyday dining and special dinners.

Check price on Amazon

Serve homemade meals comfortably with sturdy utensils and steak knives for everyday dining and special dinners.

Check price on Amazon

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This meal has become a family favorite for weekend dinners where everyone gathers around and enjoys the fresh coastal flavors together.

Required Tools

Large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel recommended), Mixing bowl, Paper towels, Tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains Shellfish Dairy (butter). If using pre-packaged butter, check for possible milk allergens. For dairy free, substitute with plant based butter.

Nutritional Information

Calories 265, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 3 g, Protein 26 g (per serving)

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Dispense soap hands-free for quick handwashing and easier cleanup while cooking and handling ingredients.

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Enjoy the delightful blend of golden seared scallops with the fresh zing of lemon-dill butter for a perfect coastal experience.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of scallops work best for this dish?

Dry-packed large sea scallops are ideal because they sear better and hold flavor without excess moisture.

→ How can I tell when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for a deep golden crust on each side, with an opaque center that remains firm but tender to the touch.

→ Can I prepare the lemon-dill butter ahead of time?

Yes, the lemon-dill butter can be made up to two days in advance and chilled until serving.

→ What oils or pans yield the best sear on scallops?

Use olive oil in a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet heated until shimmering to achieve an excellent sear.

→ What side dishes complement this harbor-style scallop dish?

Crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad enhance the meal’s coastal character.