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Cowboy Butter Scallops

Scallops seared to a golden crust, dripping in a garlicky, spicy, lemony butter sauce, perfect for a quick gourmet meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Cowboy Butter
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened 1 stick
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, divided Use half for the butter, half for the scallops
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
For the Scallops
  • 1 pound Sea scallops, large, patted very dry
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 lemon Lemon wedges, for serving

Method
 

Build the Cowboy Butter First
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with the Dijon mustard. Mash together with a fork until the mustard disappears into the butter.
  2. Add the chopped chives, parsley, and thyme; stir gently to distribute evenly.
  3. Then stir in the minced garlic and lemon juice until fully combined.
  4. Finish with the paprika, half the kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Stir and taste; adjust the seasoning to your liking.
  5. Cover the bowl and set the butter aside at room temperature.
Prep the Scallops Properly
  1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels on both sides. Season with the remaining kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. Let sit while the skillet heats up.
Sear the Scallops to Golden Perfection
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil until shimmering.
  2. Place scallops in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 2-3 minutes without touching.
  3. Flip each scallop and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until opaque.
Bring It All Together with Butter
  1. Turn off the heat and add a generous scoop of cowboy butter into the skillet. Let it melt around the scallops.
  2. Spoon the melted butter over the scallops a few times.
  3. Transfer scallops to a serving plate, garnishing with extra parsley or chives, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat scallops dry to avoid steaming. Don't overcrowd the skillet. Make the butter a day ahead for deeper flavor.