(Original recipe by Inspired Taste)

Image may not represent the actual recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sea scallops
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• Juice from half a lemon
• Lemon slices, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove the small side muscle from the scallops if attached. Pat scallops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot and shimmering.
3. Add scallops in a single layer and sear without moving them until well browned on one side, about 1½ minutes.
4. Flip scallops and add butter and garlic to the pan.
5. Cook while spooning the melted butter and garlic over scallops until they are just firm and opaque, about 1½ minutes more.
6. Remove pan from heat, stir in basil and lemon juice, and serve immediately with lemon slices if desired.

Notes

• For a golden crust, ensure scallops are very dry before searing.
• Optional dusting of flour can help with browning (see original recipe).