This recipe for seared scallops with lettuce turns out a healthy dinner that looks impressive (and tastes great) in just 25 minutes. Giving lemons a quick sizzle in the skillet amps up the flavor of this piccata-inspired dish. The heat helps release even more citrus juice and sweetens it too. When shopping for scallops, look for ones labeled “dry.” Some scallops are soaked in a solution that prevents them from searing properly and can give them a soapy flavor.
Scallops Recipe Summary
Active: 25 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Ingredient Checklist
- 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 pound lettuce trimmed and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper, divided
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound dry sea scallops, tough side muscle removed
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Instructions Checklist
- Step 1 Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic, capers and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broth and wine and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Cover to keep warm.
- Step 2 Meanwhile, sprinkle scallops with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook until browned on both sides, about 4 minutes total. Transfer to a clean plate. Add lemon halves to the pan, cut-side down, and cook until charred, about 2 minutes. Cut into wedges. Sprinkle the scallops and parsley and serve over lettuce bed with the lemon wedges.
