Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops

Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops are an elegant yet incredibly easy dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. With golden-brown caramelization on the outside and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture inside, these scallops are bursting with flavor from garlic, lemon, and butter. Whether served over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables, they make an impressive dinner with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The scallops cook quickly and are enhanced by a buttery garlic sauce that takes only seconds to make. With fresh lemon and parsley to brighten the dish, every bite is rich and flavorful. It’s restaurant-quality seafood made simple at home—no complicated techniques or ingredients required.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb sea scallops

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 3 tbsp butter (preferably with olive oil & sea salt)

• 2 tsp garlic, minced

• 1 medium lemon (juice half, slice remaining half)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. Heat a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.

3. Once hot, add the scallops to the pan and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer scallops to a plate.

4. Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, then stir in the garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and stir to combine.

6. Return the scallops to the pan and spoon the buttery sauce over them. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

7. Serve immediately, optionally over cooked pasta with extra lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Herb Upgrade: Add fresh thyme or basil for a different herbaceous note.

• Spicy Version: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

• Creamy Garlic Scallops: Stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the garlic for a rich, creamy sauce.

• Citrus Twist: Try lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or olive oil to avoid overcooking. Avoid microwaving as it can make scallops rubbery.
Freezing: Not recommended. Cooked scallops lose their delicate texture when frozen and reheated.

FAQs

How do I get a good sear on scallops?

Make sure they’re very dry, use a hot skillet, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side.

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What’s the difference between sea scallops and bay scallops?

Sea scallops are larger and meatier, ideal for searing. Bay scallops are smaller and cook faster, often used in soups or pastas.

Can I substitute the butter with ghee or another fat?

Yes, ghee or clarified butter works well and tolerates high heat without burning.

What should I serve with seared scallops?

Serve with pasta, risotto, sautéed spinach, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.

How do I know when scallops are done?

They should be opaque and firm but still tender inside. Overcooking will make them rubbery.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is recommended for flavor, but you can use 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a pinch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it contains no gluten, but ensure your pasta (if using) is gluten-free.

What type of skillet is best?

Cast iron or stainless steel is best for a good sear. Avoid nonstick for this recipe.

How many scallops per serving?

Depending on size, expect about 4–6 large scallops per person for a main dish.

Conclusion

Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops are a quick, elegant dish perfect for any occasion. With their golden crust, tender center, and rich garlic-lemon-butter sauce, these scallops bring a restaurant-level meal to your home kitchen in just 15 minutes. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy a dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying.

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