Lemon Herb Pan-Seared Scallops
This exquisite dish showcases the subtle sweetness of sea scallops with a crispy, golden-brown crust, enhanced by the refreshing zing of fresh lemon juice and the rich flavor of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. With a quick preparation time, these scallops make for a sophisticated appetizer or main course, perfect for impressing your guests or indulging in a weeknight treat. The seasoned bread crumbs add an appealing crunch while the butter and olive oil provide a luscious finish. Trust me, this will be a dish you’ll want to serve again and again!
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
sea scallops
1 lb (rinsed and patted dry)
seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup (for coating scallops)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
butter
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
lemon
1 (halved and juiced)
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Rinse the sea scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
2
Roll each scallop in seasoned bread crumbs, coating them evenly.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
4
Carefully place the scallops in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them, until golden brown.
5
Gently flip the scallops and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are opaque and have a nice sear on both sides.
6
Remove the skillet from heat, then slice the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the scallops, making sure to avoid any seeds.
7
Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the scallops.
8
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the scallops steep for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
7g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Lemon Herb Pan-Seared Scallops recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is 1 lb of sea scallops.
Why is it important to pat the sea scallops dry before cooking?
Patting the scallops dry with paper towels ensures they sear properly to create a crispy, golden-brown crust.
What are the scallops coated with before searing?
Each scallop is rolled in seasoned bread crumbs for an even coating.
What type of oil and fat are used for sautéing the scallops?
The recipe uses a combination of one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter.
What is the recommended heat level for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
How long should the scallops cook on each side?
Scallops should be cooked for 2-3 minutes on the first side and another 2-3 minutes after flipping.
How can I tell when the scallops are finished cooking?
The scallops are done when they are opaque and have a nice golden-brown sear on both sides.
When should the lemon juice be added to the dish?
Remove the skillet from the heat before squeezing fresh lemon juice over the scallops.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is sprinkled over the scallops.
Why should the skillet be covered after cooking?
The skillet is covered with a lid to let the scallops steep for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 120 calories per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving contains 9g of protein.
What is the fat content of the Lemon Herb Pan-Seared Scallops?
The dish contains 7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 7g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any sugar or fiber in this recipe?
According to the nutritional information provided, fiber and sugar levels are not specified (null).
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: sea scallops, seasoned bread crumbs, olive oil, butter, lemon, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Can this recipe be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is designed to be served as either a sophisticated appetizer or a main course.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an 'under 15 minutes' recipe.
How much bread crumbs should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of seasoned bread crumbs.
Should I move the scallops around while they are searing?
No, you should cook them for 2-3 minutes without moving them to ensure a golden brown crust forms.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe uses the juice of one whole lemon, halved and squeezed over the dish.
What should I avoid when squeezing the lemon?
You should make sure to avoid getting any seeds into the skillet.
How much Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese should I add?
The cheese should be added 'to taste' and should be freshly grated.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged under healthy cooking and features lean protein from seafood.
Can I use a small skillet for this recipe?
A large skillet is recommended to ensure the scallops are not overcrowded, which helps them sear properly.
What is the texture of the bread crumb coating?
The seasoned bread crumbs provide an appealing crunch to the finished dish.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features subtle sweetness from the scallops, zing from the lemon, and richness from the cheese and butter.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
The total active cooking time is approximately 4-6 minutes, with 5 minutes of steeping, making it a very fast recipe.
Does the recipe specify the amount of sodium or cholesterol?
No, the sodium and cholesterol values are not provided in the recipe data.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to rinse the sea scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.