Description
A delicious recipe featuring scallops cooked in a flavorful cowboy butter sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon coarse Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 to 1 ½ pounds large sea scallops, about 16 to 20 scallops, patted very dry
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, Dijon mustard, chives, parsley, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Mix until fully combined.
- Set the cowboy butter aside while preparing the scallops (it can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator).
- Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Add the scallops in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes, or until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add about ¼ cup of the cowboy butter around the scallops. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the scallops for 30 to 60 seconds to coat and baste them.
- Transfer the scallops to a serving plate. Spoon additional cowboy butter over the top and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra cowboy butter for dipping.
Notes
- Cowboy butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Be sure to pat the scallops dry to achieve a good sear.
- This dish pairs well with a light salad or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg