Gather all the ingredients needed: fresh scallops, butter, lemon, salt, and pepper.
Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and let it preheat for a few minutes. You want the pan to be hot before adding the scallops.
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper. This helps to enhance the flavor as they sear.
Once the pan is hot, add a tablespoon or two of butter. Allow the butter to melt and begin to sizzle.
Carefully add the seasoned scallops to the hot pan, making sure they are not overcrowded. Let them sear without moving them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Avoid overcooking, as scallops can become tough if cooked for too long.
Once the scallops have developed a golden crust on one side, gently flip them using tongs. Be careful not to break them apart.
While the second side of the scallops is searing, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them and add another tablespoon of butter to the pan. This creates a flavorful lemon butter sauce.
Once the scallops are cooked through and have a golden-brown crust on both sides, remove them from the pan and transfer them to a serving plate. Pour any remaining lemon butter sauce over the scallops. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional lemon slices if desired.