Description
Seared Scallops with Yuzu Garlic Butter is an elegant yet simple seafood dish featuring perfectly seared scallops glazed with a bright, aromatic yuzu garlic butter sauce. This recipe balances fresh citrus flavors with rich, plant-based garlic butter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience in under 20 minutes, ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Seafood
- Fresh dry-packed sea scallops – 12 large, patted dry
Yuzu Garlic Butter Sauce
- Unsalted butter (plant-based) – 3 tablespoons
- Fresh garlic cloves – 3, minced or lightly crushed
- Yuzu juice (natural) – 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Sea salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Preparing the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a perfect sear. Lightly season both sides with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Searing the Scallops: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil shimmers but is not smoking, place the scallops carefully in the pan, leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms develop a rich golden-brown crust. Flip the scallops and sear the other side for 1 to 2 minutes until just cooked through but still tender inside. Remove scallops and set aside.
- Making the Yuzu Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the plant-based unsalted butter along with fresh garlic cloves to the same skillet. Stir gently to infuse the butter with garlic flavor. Once the garlic softens and releases aroma, stir in the yuzu juice for a bright, citrusy note that complements the savory butter sauce.
- Combining and Finishing: Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the yuzu garlic butter over each one to coat and glaze thoroughly. Let them warm together for about one minute to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the scallops to add a vibrant color and fresh herbal flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.
Notes
- Always choose dry-packed scallops for the best sear and flavor.
- Pat scallops very dry to prevent steaming and achieve a golden crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.
- Medium-high heat is ideal; too hot can burn butter and too low will not sear properly.
- Finish with fresh herbs to add brightness and elevate presentation effortlessly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 scallops
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: seared scallops, yuzu garlic butter, seafood appetizer, quick seafood recipe, plant-based butter sauce, elegant seafood dish, gluten free seafood
