Pan-Seared Sea Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This elegant dish features perfectly seared sea scallops drizzled with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. The scallops are tender and have a delightful caramelized crust, while the sauce adds a bright and rich flavor. With low-carb ingredients, this recipe is not only delicious but also fits perfectly into a low-carb diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the sea scallops to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, cooking for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Return the scallops to the skillet, gently tossing to coat them in the lemon garlic butter sauce.
7. Plate the scallops and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.