Cowboy Butter Scallops
Cowboy Butter Scallops are tender, perfectly seared scallops topped with a rich, flavorful cowboy butter sauce made with garlic, herbs, lemon, and a little spice. A simple seafood recipe that feels special but comes together quickly!
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 397kcal
Ingredients
Cowboy Butter
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon coarse Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Scallops
- 1 to 1 ½ pounds large sea scallops, about 16 to 20 scallops, patted very dry
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional for Serving
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Make the Cowboy Butter
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, Dijon mustard, chives, parsley, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Mix until fully combined.
- Set aside while preparing the scallops. (Cowboy butter can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.)
Cook the Scallops
- Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Add the scallops in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes, or until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add about ¼ cup of the cowboy butter around the scallops. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the scallops for 30 to 60 seconds to coat and baste them.
- Transfer the scallops to a serving plate. Spoon additional cowboy butter over the top and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra cowboy butter for dipping.
Nutrition
Serving: 1portion | Calories: 397kcal