Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Elevate your summer gatherings with our irresistible seared scallops featuring lemon, garlic, and basil! This ZeroPoint Weight Watchers recipe is not only light and flavorful but also perfect for enhancing any celebration this season. Infused with refreshing citrus and aromatic herbs, these scallops offer a delightful balance of simplicity and indulgence. Dive into our tips and tricks to ensure each scallop is cooked to perfection, guaranteeing a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re prioritizing nutrition with lean protein or seeking a quick, delicious meal, these scallops deliver on all fronts with just 2 points per serving.
Ingredients
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- 1 lb (450 g), fresh or thawed Scallops
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (10 g), fresh Basil, chopped
- 2 lemons, juice and zest
- ½ teaspoon Salt (2.5 g)
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper (1 g)
Instructions
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Master the art of gourmet cooking at home with these instructions for making restaurant-quality seared scallops with lemon, garlic, and basil. Achieve a perfect golden crust on tender scallops, infused with flavors of garlic and basil, finished with a touch of refreshing lemon zest for a dish that’s elegant and irresistible.
Marinate the Scallops
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Combine scallops with minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 10 minutes. Before cooking, remove most basil leaves.
Preheat the Pan
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Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, but not smoking.
Cook the Scallops
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Add scallops to the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd. Sear 2-3 minutes on each side until golden-brown and opaque. Remove scallops and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
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In the same pan, sauté any remaining minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine. Return scallops to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Add Basil
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Sprinkle chopped basil over scallops and gently toss to mix.
Serve
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Immediately serve scallops, garnished with additional lemon zest and fresh basil if desired.
Variations and Substitutions
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- Herbs: Substitute basil with fresh thyme or parsley for varied flavors.
- Citrus: Try lime or orange instead of lemon for a different citrus twist.
- Garlic: Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Oil: Experiment with avocado oil or a small amount of butter for a richer taste.
- Additional Vegetables: Enhance texture and flavor with spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus tips.
- Wine: After searing, add a splash of white wine for a subtle, elegant flavor boost.
Tips and Tricks
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- Pat Dry: Before cooking, pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear well.
- High Heat: Use high heat and a good quality non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet for a golden crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook scallops in batches if needed, ensuring they have enough space to sear properly.
- Timing: Scallops cook quickly—about 2-3 minutes per side. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Marinate Briefly: Marinate scallops in olive oil, lemon zest, and minced garlic for 15 minutes before cooking for added flavor.
- Rest: After cooking, let scallops rest for a minute or two to redistribute juices, enhancing tenderness and flavor.
