If you’re looking for an elegant seafood dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops is the perfect recipe. Tender sea scallops are pan-seared until beautifully golden, then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and parsley. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly golden, tender scallops every time.
- Rich garlic butter sauce with bright lemon flavor.
- Ready in less than 20 minutes.
- Restaurant-quality results at home.
- Great for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sea scallops
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 medium lemon (half juiced, half sliced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked pasta, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the scallops into the hot skillet, leaving space between each one.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes without moving them until a golden crust develops.
- Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until the scallops are opaque and just cooked through.
- Transfer the scallops to a plate.
- Reduce the heat slightly and melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Squeeze in the juice from half of the lemon.
- Return the Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately over cooked pasta with fresh lemon wedges.
Tips & Tricks
- Always pat scallops very dry before cooking for the best golden crust.
- Use large sea scallops instead of bay scallops for this recipe.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing.
- Resist moving the scallops while they’re searing.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Fresh herbs like chives or thyme also pair wonderfully with this dish.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Low Carb
Notes
- Serve with buttered pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, roasted vegetables, or rice.
- Use unsalted butter if preferred and adjust seasoning.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with fresh chives.
- Do not overcook scallops, as they become rubbery very quickly.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
FAQ
How do I know when scallops are fully cooked?
Scallops should be opaque in the center and lightly firm to the touch. Overcooking will make them chewy.
Why won’t my scallops brown?
Excess moisture prevents browning. Pat them completely dry and use a very hot skillet.
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes. Thaw them completely and dry them thoroughly before cooking.
What’s the best pan for pan seared scallops?
A cast iron or stainless steel skillet creates the best golden crust.
Can I make garlic butter scallops ahead of time?
Scallops are best enjoyed immediately after cooking for the most tender texture.
What should I serve with lemon garlic scallops?
Pasta, risotto, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad all pair beautifully.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked scallops for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the scallops may become tough.
Similar Recipes
Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound sea scallops
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 medium lemon half juiced, half sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the scallops into the hot skillet, leaving space between each one.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes without moving them until a golden crust develops.
- Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until the scallops are opaque and just cooked through.
- Transfer the scallops to a plate.
- Reduce the heat slightly and melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Squeeze in the juice from half of the lemon.
- Return the Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately over cooked pasta with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve with buttered pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, roasted vegetables, or rice.
- Use unsalted butter if preferred and adjust seasoning.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with fresh chives.
- Do not overcook scallops, as they become rubbery very quickly.
Conclusion
These Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The combination of perfectly seared scallops, rich garlic butter, fresh parsley, and bright lemon creates an unforgettable seafood dinner that’s both elegant and easy. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.