Zesty Garlic Lemon Scallops
Indulge in the deliciously light and flavorful Zesty Garlic Lemon Scallops, a dish inspired by the Weight Watchers cookbook 'Cook it Quick.' This recipe showcases perfectly seared scallops, coated lightly in flour to create a tantalizing golden crust. Infused with the bright taste of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and garnished with chopped parsley, each bite offers a delightful balance of flavors that highlight the natural sweetness of the scallops. Ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or an elegant dinner party, this dish takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Remember to pat dry the scallops to ensure they get that perfect sear without soaking up too much flour. For best results, adjust cooking times if using smaller scallops to avoid them becoming tough. Serve this Mediterranean-inspired dish alongside recipe #272832 for a complete meal.
4
Servings
100
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Sea Scallops
1 1/4 lbs (dried with paper towels)
All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Garlic Cloves
4-6 (minced)
Scallion
1 (finely chopped)
Ground Sage
1 pinch (none)
Lemon
1 (juiced)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by patting the scallops dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring they crisp up nicely during cooking.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt, then toss in the dried scallops until they are evenly coated.
3
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
4
Carefully add the coated scallops to the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until they turn golden and are just opaque in the center (3-4 minutes total).
5
During the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic, chopped scallions, and ground sage to the skillet, stirring gently to combine.
6
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
7
Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the scallops for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Garlic Lemon Scallops?
They are a light and flavorful dish of perfectly seared sea scallops coated in a thin flour crust and infused with lemon, garlic, and parsley.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the Weight Watchers cookbook 'Cook it Quick'.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire dish takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and cook.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 10 grams of protein in each serving.
What is the total fat content?
Each serving contains 2.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why should I pat the scallops dry?
Patting them dry eliminates excess moisture to ensure they crisp up nicely and get a perfect golden sear.
What kind of scallops are used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of sea scallops.
Can I use smaller scallops?
Yes, but you should adjust the cooking times to avoid them becoming tough.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for the coating.
Is there a gluten-free option?
While the recipe uses all-purpose flour, it is noted as having a gluten-free option if a suitable substitute is used.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 4 to 6 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of oil should I use for searing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
When do I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking the scallops.
What herb provides a savory depth to the dish?
A pinch of ground sage is added along with the garlic.
How long do the scallops need to cook?
They should cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, for a total of 3-4 minutes.
How do I know when the scallops are finished cooking?
They are done when they turn golden on the outside and are just opaque in the center.
What provides the zesty lemon flavor?
The juice from one fresh lemon is stirred in at the end.
When should I add the parsley?
The chopped parsley is stirred in once the skillet has been removed from the heat.
What type of pan is recommended?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Is this recipe considered Mediterranean?
Yes, it is described as a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
What are some suggested side dishes?
It pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Is there a specific recipe to pair this with?
The instructions suggest serving this alongside recipe #272832 for a complete meal.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt mixed with the flour.
What should I do with the remaining pan juices?
You should drizzle any remaining juices over the scallops immediately before serving for extra flavor.
Are scallions used in this recipe?
Yes, one finely chopped scallion is added to the skillet during the final minute of cooking.
How much parsley is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
How hot should the oil be before adding the scallops?
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it is shimmering but not smoking.