Bay Scallops Scampi - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
1 lb bay scallop, rinsed and patted dry
3 garlic cloves, slivered
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup white wine
2 tablespoons capers
1 pinch kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons lemon zest

Preparation

In a large heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the oil and half of the butter over medium-high heat until mixture starts to brown.
MAKE SURE THE PAN AND OIL MIXTURE IS VERY HOT - Transfer half of the scallops to the skillet and cook WITHOUT MOVING until seared: ABOUT 20 - 30 SECONDS. Gently flip and sear on other side for another 20 - 30 SECONDS. Remove from skillet; add remaining scallops and butter. Cook in the same manner as the first batch.
Once the second batch of scallops is finished cooking, return the first batch to the skillet and give a quick, gentle toss. Remove skillet from heat.
Add the garlic, lemon juice, wine and cappers. Season with salt and pepper. Give a gentle toss and place scallops on a warmed serving platter. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest. Serve immediately.
Serve with crusty Italian or French bread for dipping in the garlic-butter sauce. This dish pairs nicely with steamed fresh asparagus or zucchini.
COOK'S TIP: Scallops contain a lot of water that will gush out once they get hot - THEY NEED A LOT OF HEAT APPLIED QUICKLY. Never crowd the scallops when cooking, otherwise they will steam instead of sear.