Cowboy Butter Scallops Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Scallops are a deliciously rich and flavorful seafood dish that combines perfectly seared scallops with a zesty, herby butter sauce. This recipe brings bold flavors and a touch of heat, making it an impressive yet easy meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs jumbo scallops
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring the scallops to room temperature, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Step 2: Prepare the cowboy butter by combining the softened butter with minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chives, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Heat a heavy skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke. Add a small amount of neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.
4. Step 4: Carefully place the scallops in the hot skillet without crowding. Sear them without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until a golden brown crust forms on the bottom.
5. Step 5: Flip the scallops and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the other side is golden and the scallops are cooked through.
6. Step 6: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the cowboy butter to the skillet, and baste the scallops by spooning the melted butter over them as it melts and foams. This will enhance their flavor and keep them moist.
7. Step 7: Serve the scallops immediately, spooning the buttery pan sauce over the top for a delicious finish.

Tips & Variations

• Patting the scallops dry is key to achieving a good sear and preventing steaming.
• Use fresh herbs for the butter to maximize brightness and freshness.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Serve with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful butter sauce.
• For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked sea salt instead of regular salt.

Storage

Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear.

What kind of oil should I use for searing scallops?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil, to prevent burning and achieve a perfect sear.

Cowboy Butter Scallops Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 102 reviews

A rich and flavorful recipe featuring succulent jumbo scallops seared to golden perfection and topped with a zesty, garlicky cowboy butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and a hint of heat. This dish delivers a perfect balance of buttery richness and bright citrus notes, making it an impressive yet simple seafood entrée.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood

• 2 lbs jumbo scallops

Seasonings for Scallops

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste

Cowboy Butter

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil) for searing

Instructions

1. Prepare Scallops: Remove the scallops from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature. Pat them completely dry using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Make Cowboy Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chives, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Heat Skillet: Place a heavy skillet over high heat and allow it to get smoking hot. Add a small amount of neutral oil to the skillet to prevent sticking and aid in searing.
4. Sear Scallops: Place the scallops in the hot skillet without moving them. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Flip each scallop and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side.
5. Add Cowboy Butter and Baste: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the prepared cowboy butter to the skillet. As the butter melts and foams, use a spoon to baste the scallops continuously to infuse them with the buttery herb sauce.
6. Serve: Immediately remove the scallops from the skillet and plate them. Spoon the remaining pan sauce over the scallops and serve hot to enjoy the full flavor.

Notes

• Ensure scallops are completely dry before searing to achieve a golden crust.
• Do not overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary to maintain skillet temperature.
• Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor in the cowboy butter.
• Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
• Can be paired with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Keywords: cowboy butter scallops, seared scallops, garlic butter scallops, easy seafood recipe, pan-seared scallops