Scallops with Brown Butter

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Scallops with Brown Butter

Yield 4 servings

Whether it's a cozy date night in or a festive holiday gathering, seared sea scallops make your dinner deliciously special. Sauteed in brown butter and topped with herbs, these scallops deliver melt-in-your-mouth flavor with minimal prep.

Ingredients

  • 12 sea scallops, patted dry
  • Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • Zest and juice of one lemon

Instructions

Use a very sharp knife to lightly score the scallops on both sides in a cross-hatch pattern. Season the scallops with cayenne, salt, and pepper. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is frothy and shimmering.

Add the scallops to the skillet and sear for 1 minute without moving them. Use a spoon to baste the scallops as they cook. Gently flip the scallops and sear for an additional 1 minute until golden brown and cooked through. Add the zest, lemon juice, and thyme to the pan. Swirl the pan to coat the scallops.

Divide scallops onto plates. Drizzle with the browned butter-citrus sauce and serve.