Perfectly Crispy Pan-Seared Scallops Recipe to Impress
Ingredients
- 12 large sea scallops, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
- Juice of half a lemon
- for garnish microgreens
Instructions
- Begin by ensuring your scallops are completely dry by patting them with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a perfect sear.
- Season both sides of the scallops generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Gently place the scallops in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded (you may need to do this in batches).
- Cook the scallops without moving them for about 2-3 minutes, or until a golden crust forms.
- Flip the scallops carefully using tongs and add the butter, minced garlic, and thyme to the pan.
- As the butter melts, spoon it over the scallops for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are cooked to a perfect opaque center.
- Remove the scallops from the pan, drizzle lemon juice over them, and toss the microgreens gently in the pan juices.
- Serve the scallops warm, topped with the sautéed microgreens for a fresh burst of flavor.
💡 Chef's Notes
Plate the scallops on a warm plate, drizzle some of the pan juices around the scallops, and top with a sprig of thyme and a few microgreens for an elegant touch.