Seared Scallops with Garlic Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• – 1 pound fresh sea scallops
• – Salt and pepper to taste
• – 2 tablespoons olive oil
• – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• – 3 garlic cloves, minced
• – 1/4 cup dry white wine
• – 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• – 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• – Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Scallops**: Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove the small side muscle if present. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. **Heat the Pan**: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot and shimmering.
3. **Sear the Scallops**: Add the scallops to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms and the scallops are opaque in the center. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. **Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. **Deglaze the Pan**: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
6. **Finish the Dish**: Return the seared scallops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat. Cook for another minute to heat the scallops through.
7. **Serve**: Transfer the scallops to serving plates and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.

These seared scallops are perfect served over a bed of rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh green salad. Enjoy!