Imagine serving a dish so elegant and delicious that your dinner guests will think you've trained in a Michelin-starred kitchen. These Scallops with Basil Lemon Sauce are not just a meal, they're a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a Mediterranean masterpiece. With a golden, perfectly seared exterior and a delicate, tender interior, these scallops promise to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures proper searing and prevents steaming.
- Season the scallops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place the scallops in the hot pan, making sure they are not touching each other. This allows each scallop to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Cook the scallops for approximately 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them, until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the scallops using tongs and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until they are opaque and just cooked through.
- Remove the scallops from the pan and transfer to a serving plate.
- In the same pan, squeeze fresh lemon juice to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the scallops and drizzle with the lemon pan sauce.
- Serve immediately while the scallops are hot and the sauce is fresh.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always pat scallops completely dry before cooking to achieve that coveted golden-brown crust.
- High Heat is Key: Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet and ensure it's hot before adding scallops.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between scallops to prevent steaming and ensure proper searing.
- Timing is Critical: 2-3 minutes per side is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked scallops.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh basil and squeeze the lemon just before serving to maximize flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Scallops are best enjoyed hot, right after cooking to maintain their delicate texture.Pro tip: If you're nervous about cooking scallops, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 37mg
