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Home » Recipes » Seared scallops with lemon caper sauce

Seared scallops with lemon caper sauce

June 4, 2022 by Alida Ryder Leave a Comment

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Seared scallops are always a good idea. Their naturally sweet, subtle flavor and juicy texture make them ideal for appetisers or light main courses. I love serving them with a zesty, spicy lemon caper sauce to add a punch of flavor.

Seared scallops with caper dressing

Ingredients needed

  • Sea scallops. I used frozen, cleaned scallops but of course fresh scallops will be so much better.
  • Caper sauce: Capers, fresh lemon juice, fresh parsley, chives, garlic, red chilli or chilli flakes/red pepper flakes (optional), salt and pepper. You can use either brined capers or salt-packed capers. If using salt-packed capers, be sure to give them a good rinse to get rid of any excess salt. Other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro/coriander can also be used.

Pan seared scallops

How to sear scallops

  1. Prepare the scallops: If using fresh scallops, you’ll need to shuck them and then give them a good rinse in cool, clean water. Remove the side muscle (a coral-coloured flap on the side of the scallop) and discard. Frozen scallops can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and I like to give them a quick rinse to ensure they are free of sand or grit. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels then drizzle with a few tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt.
  2. Sear the scallops: Heat a large cast iron skillet or stainless steel frying pan over high heat. I prefer using high heat as opposed to medium high heat as the scallops can release some moisture while cooking and this will prevent them from searing and creating the beautiful golden brown crust. Once the pan is smoking hot, add the scallops and allow to sear for 1-2 minutes then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until they have are golden brown on both sides. At this stage you can add a knob of butter to the pan and baste the scallops with the butter if preferred but there’s no need for this step if you’re serving the scallops with a sauce. Remove from the pan and serve.

What to serve with scallops

This scallop recipe is great served as a quick and easy appetizer. It’s also delicious served over pasta or with side dishes for a main course. Crispy potatoes, lemon risotto or creamy polenta would be great.

  • Bacon Fat Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes
  • Creamy lemon risotto
  • Creamy polenta with Parmesan and butter

Seared scallops with caper dressing

Seafood recipes

  1. Easy garlic butter shrimp and rice
  2. Pasta vongole
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Seared scallops with lemon caper sauce

Seared scallops with lemon caper sauce

Seared scallops are always great served as an appetizer recipe or light main course. Served with lemon caper sauce, they are simply delicious.
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Pan seared scallops, Seared scallops, Seared scallops recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 as an appetizer
Calories: 191kcal
Author: Alida Ryder

Ingredients

  • 750 g (1½lb) scallops thawed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • lemon caper sauce to serve

Instructions

  • If using fresh scallops, you'll need to shuck them and then give them a good rinse in cool, clean water.
  • Remove the side muscle (a coral-coloured flap on the side of the scallop) and discard.
  • Frozen scallops can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and I like to give them a quick rinse to ensure they are free of sand or grit.
  • Pat the scallops dry with paper towels then drizzle with a few tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt. 
  • Make the lemon caper sauce according to recipe instructions.
  • Sear the scallops: Heat a large cast iron skillet or stainless steel frying pan over high heat.
  • Once the pan is smoking hot, add the scallops and allow to sear for 1-2 minutes then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until they have are golden brown on both sides.  
  • Remove from the pan and serve with the lemon caper sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 735mg | Potassium: 384mg | Vitamin A: 6IU | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
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Filed Under: Dinner Recipes, Gluten Free, Quick and Easy, Recipes, Salads & Starters, Seafood Tagged With: 30 minute recipe, appetizer, easy recipe, Gluten Free, healthy recipe, low carb, Pescetarian, scallops, sea scallops, Seafood, seared scallops

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Hi! I'm Alida, mom of twins and creator of Simply Delicious. I hope to encourage a love for cooking by creating fool-proof recipes that are easy and delicious. Read More…

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