Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter and Grilled Asparagus
Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter and Grilled Asparagus is a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The scallops are seared to perfection and then finished with a luscious lemon butter sauce. The asparagus is grilled until tender-crisp and adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. This dish is sure to impress your guests, and it's easy to make too!
The origins of pan-seared scallops with lemon butter and grilled asparagus are murky, but it's likely that the dish was first created in the early 1900s. At that time, scallops were a relatively inexpensive seafood, and they were often served as a simple dish with butter and lemon. As the popularity of scallops grew, so did the number of ways to prepare them. Pan-searing became a popular method of cooking scallops because it allowed them to develop a beautiful golden brown crust while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Grilled asparagus was also a popular side dish at the time, and it paired perfectly with the delicate flavor of the scallops. Today, pan-seared scallops with lemon butter and grilled asparagus is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter and Grilled Asparagus Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter and Grilled Asparagus Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter and Grilled Asparagus Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter and Grilled Asparagus
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
  1. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels.
  3. Season the scallops with the salt and pepper.
  4. Add the scallops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
  6. Add the asparagus, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
  7. Cook the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
  8. Add the butter and lemon juice to the skillet and stir to combine.
  9. Return the scallops to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
  10. Serve the scallops and asparagus immediately.
Why It Works
  • The high heat of the skillet creates a beautiful golden brown crust on the scallops, while the butter and lemon add a rich, flavorful sauce.
  • Grilling the asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and adds a slightly smoky flavor.
  • The combination of the scallops, asparagus, and lemon butter sauce is simply divine.