Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary seafood into a culinary masterpiece in just 20 minutes - our Cilantro Lime Butter Scallops are about to become your new favorite showstopper! These succulent, golden-crusted scallops bathed in a zesty cilantro-lime butter will make you feel like a professional chef, impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal without ever leaving home. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this simple yet extraordinary recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor in every single bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb scallops
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a nice sear on the scallops.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice. Set this mixture aside; it will be used to flavor the butter later.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to heat until it is foamy but not browned.
- Season the scallops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the butter is ready, carefully place the scallops in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form. When they are golden brown, flip them over gently using tongs or a spatula.
- After flipping, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. As the butter melts, spoon it over the scallops to baste them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the scallops from the skillet and place them on a serving platter.
- Pour the cilantro-lime mixture over the scallops, ensuring they are well-coated with the fresh flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the cilantro lime butter scallops immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired. They pair wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat scallops COMPLETELY dry before cooking - moisture is the enemy of a perfect golden sear!
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and the best caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook scallops in batches if necessary to ensure they brown, not steam.
- Watch your heat carefully - medium-high is perfect for achieving that beautiful golden crust without burning.
- Basting scallops with butter adds incredible flavor and helps them cook evenly.
- Fresh cilantro and lime are key - avoid dried herbs or bottled lime juice for the best taste.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the scallops at their peak texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
