Since Fall is pretty much here already, I’ve been looking into more warm, filling recipes to try as I transition out of my usual Summertime BBQ and cookout-inspired favorites. What I didn’t want to do, however- was immediately dive right into pumpkin and apple flavored anything. Not that I don’t love those types of recipes (because of course I love them!)– but I really wanted to strive for different flavors and textures in my cooking and baking endeavors for the month of September.

With Hampton Beach’s annual Seafood Festival approaching this coming weekend, I felt inspired to get a head start on my eating of all things from the sea and try a 10-minute (seriously!) scallop appetizer recipe I had found online that perfectly blended tartness and garlic flavor- all with a satisfying crunchiness to it.

If you like scallops- you’re going to love this. I promise.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 pound scallops
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

FOR THE LEMON BUTTER SAUCE:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

OKAY, HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.

2. Remove the small side muscle from the scallops, rinse with cold water and thoroughly pat dry.

3. Season scallops with salt and pepper, to taste. Working in batches, add scallops to the skillet in a single layer and cook, flipping once, until golden brown and translucent in the center, about 1-2 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.

4. To make the lemon butter sauce, melt 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

5. Serve scallops immediately with lemon butter sauce, garnished with parsley, if desired.

These were devoured so quickly it was insane. The scallops were just the right amount of crispy and chewy- and the lemon butter & garlic sauce was beyond delicious. I half expected someone to try licking the plate when these were gone (it didn’t happen- but I’m sure there was plenty of temptation!)

I have extra scallops in my freezer- and considering how quick and easy these were to make- I’m sure I’ll be indulging in more of them later on this week!

xx