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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/cowboy-butter-scallops-recipe/