Lemon Butter Scallops with Orzo
Lemon Butter Scallops with Orzo is a deliciously elegant dish that transports you to a seaside paradise. Featuring tender, seared scallops drizzled with a rich lemon-butter sauce and served over creamy orzo, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. With bright flavors and satisfying textures, it transforms any meal into a memorable experience—all in under 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh sea scallops
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in salted boiling water until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pat dry the scallops, season with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drizzle lemon juice over scallops while in the pan, then toss cooked orzo into the skillet to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve on plates, garnished with remaining butter and parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: To elevate this dish further, consider adding sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition. For a gluten-free option, swap out the orzo for quinoa.