Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Ingredients:
• 1 lb (450 g) large sea scallops, patted dry
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter (divided)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra slices for garnish)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Prepare scallops:
Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels (this helps them sear properly). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the scallops:
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
When the pan is hot, add scallops and sear 2 minutes per side, until golden brown with a crust. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in lemon juice and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
4. Finish:
Return scallops to the pan for 30 seconds, spooning the buttery sauce over them.
5. Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately — perfect with rice, pasta, or crusty bread!

 Tip: For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before the lemon juice.