Perfect Seared Scallops Recipe

🍽️✨ **Perfect Seared Scallops: A Culinary Delight!** ✨🍽️ **Introduction:** Prepare to elevate your culinary skills with this perfect seared scallops recipe. Delicate, tender, and beautifully caramelized, these scallops are a true gourmet delight. Whether you're impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe will guide you to scallop perfection every time. **Ingredients:** - Fresh scallops (about 8-10 large scallops) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil or clarified butter - Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley) for garnish (optional) - Lemon wedges for serving **Instructions:** 1. 🌊 **Prepare the Scallops:** Before cooking, make sure the scallops are dry. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper. 2. 🔥 **Preheat the Pan:** Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or clarified butter to the pan and let it heat until it's shimmering but not smoking. 3. ⏲️ **Sear the Scallops:** Once the pan is hot, carefully add the scallops to the skillet, making sure they're not overcrowded. Leave some space between each scallop to ensure even cooking. Do not move the scallops once they're in the pan to allow for proper caramelization. 4. ⏱️ **Cooking Time:** Depending on the size of the scallops, sear them for about 1.5 to 2 minutes on each side. You'll know they're ready to flip when the bottoms are golden brown and easily release from the pan. Use kitchen tongs to gently flip each scallop and sear the other side.