Description
Seared Scallops with Yuzu Garlic Butter is a quick and elegant seafood dish featuring golden caramelized scallops paired with a bright yuzu citrus garlic butter sauce made from plant-based ingredients. Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners, this recipe balances vibrant flavors and comforting richness for a nutritious and impressive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Scallops
- 12 fresh sea scallops (dry-packed)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Yuzu Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon yuzu juice (natural)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture which ensures a perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat Your Pan: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and wait until it shimmers, indicating the pan is hot enough to sear the scallops without sticking.
- Sear the Scallops: Gently place the scallops in the pan, leaving space between each. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms develop a beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook the other side 1-2 minutes until opaque and tender inside.
- Prepare the Yuzu Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the plant-based butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant, about one minute. Stir in the yuzu juice and remove from heat before the garlic browns to preserve the citrus brightness.
- Combine and Serve: Drizzle the yuzu garlic butter sauce over the hot scallops immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and add a final crack of black pepper. Serve right away to enjoy at peak flavor and texture.
Notes
- Always use dry-packed scallops for a crisp sear without added moisture.
- Preheat the pan thoroughly before adding scallops to avoid sticking and ensure caramelization.
- Do not move scallops too often while cooking to develop a perfect crust.
- Keep the garlic butter sauce on low heat to preserve the yuzu’s bright flavor and prevent burnt garlic.
- Allow scallops to rest briefly post-cooking to let juices redistribute and enhance tenderness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 scallops
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: seared scallops,yuzu garlic butter,seafood appetizer,quick seafood recipe,plant-based butter scallops,citrus scallops