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 enjoying fresh seafood right by the water with family and friends, bringing a cozy harbor meal to the table.

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 2 3 minutes, until a deep golden crust forms.

Step 5:

Flip the scallops and sear the other side for 1 2 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.

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

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This dish always brings back memories of family dinners where everyone savored the fresh flavors from the sea together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad for a complete harbor style meal.

Wine Pairing

Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling for a refreshing complement.

Storage Tips

Prepare the lemon dill butter up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate to save time on meal day.

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This simple yet elegant recipe brings fresh coastal flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get a perfect sear on scallops?

Pat scallops dry to remove moisture, preheat skillet until oil shimmers, then sear scallops undisturbed for a golden crust before flipping.

→ What type of scallops work best for this dish?

Use dry-packed large sea scallops to ensure optimal texture and flavor without excess water that hinders searing.

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

Yes, lemon-dill butter can be mixed up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated to enhance flavors.

→ What is the best oil for searing scallops?

Choose olive oil with a high smoke point to achieve even searing without burning the scallops.

→ How to avoid overcooking scallops?

Sear scallops briefly on each side until just opaque and slightly firm, as they continue cooking slightly after removal from heat.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Consider crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad to complement the delicate flavors.