This Seared Scallops Recipe will teach you how to achieve a perfect, golden-brown crust and a sweet, tender interior every single time. Forget expensive restaurant meals; this elegant dish is surprisingly simple and ready in under 15 minutes. It’s the perfect way to elevate any weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next gathering.
We will walk you through the essential secrets, from selecting the right scallops to getting your pan to the perfect temperature. With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, you can create a truly unforgettable meal.
Why This is the Best Seared Scallops Recipe
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by cooking scallops, this is the recipe for you. It’s designed for the enthusiastic home cook who wants restaurant-quality results without the fuss. The garlic herb butter sauce is incredibly flavorful and comes together in the same pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Quick & Easy: This entire dish comes together in less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of sweet scallops with a rich garlic and lemon butter sauce is simply divine.
- Foolproof Method: We break down the key steps to guarantee you get a perfect sear and avoid rubbery, overcooked scallops.
The Secret to a Perfect Sear
The key to a deep, golden-brown crust on your scallops isn’t complicated. It comes down to three critical factors: using dry scallops, a hot pan, and not moving them once they’re in the pan. A dry surface is the most important element for caramelization.
1. Start with Dry Scallops
Scallops have a high moisture content. You must pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning. Any surface moisture will steam the scallops instead of searing them, preventing that beautiful crust from forming. For best results, let them sit on a paper towel-lined plate in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to dry out even more.
2. Get The Pan Hot
A screaming hot pan is non-negotiable. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet, like cast iron or stainless steel, for the best heat retention. Add a high-smoke-point oil, like avocado or grapeseed oil, and let it get hot until it just begins to shimmer. This ensures the scallops start searing the instant they hit the pan.
3. Don’t Crowd the Pan
Cook the scallops in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature, leading to steaming instead of searing. Give each scallop enough space so they are not touching. This allows for even cooking and a consistent crust on every single one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe focuses on simple, high-quality ingredients to let the sweet flavor of the scallops shine. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Sea Scallops: Look for “dry” packed scallops, which don’t have added water or preservatives. They sear much better than “wet” scallops.
- Unsalted Butter: Forms the rich base of our pan sauce.
- Avocado Oil: A neutral, high-smoke-point oil perfect for searing.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the entire dish.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season the scallops.
How to Cook the Perfect Seared Scallops
Follow these simple steps for a flawless Seared Scallops Recipe. The process is quick, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start.
Step 1: Prepare the Scallops
First, remove the small side muscle (the adductor muscle) from each scallop if it’s still attached. It’s a tough, fibrous piece of tissue. Then, thoroughly pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
Place a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil and heat until shimmering. Carefully place the scallops in a single layer in the hot pan, ensuring they don’t touch. Sear for 1.5 to 2 minutes without moving them, until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
Step 3: Flip and Add Butter
Flip the scallops and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Immediately add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the scallops with the foaming garlic butter.
Step 4: Create the Sauce and Serve
Remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Pour the delicious garlic herb butter sauce over the scallops and serve immediately.
What to Serve with Scallops
These garlic butter seared scallops are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.
- Pasta: Toss them with a simple angel hair pasta or a creamy fettuccine alfredo.
- Grains: Serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or a healthy lemon herb quinoa salad.
- Potatoes: They are fantastic alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
- Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread or homemade garlic knots to soak up every last drop of the pan sauce.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook: Scallops cook very quickly. Overcooking is the number one reason they turn out rubbery. They should be opaque and firm to the touch, but still tender.
- Use a Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet provides enough room to sear a pound of large scallops without overcrowding.
- Pat Dry, Again: It can’t be stressed enough. The drier the scallop, the better the sear.
- Have Ingredients Ready: This recipe moves fast. Have your garlic minced, lemon juiced, and parsley chopped before you even turn on the stove.
FAQs
To get a good sear, you need three things: 1) The scallops must be completely dry, so pat them thoroughly with paper towels. 2) The pan, preferably cast iron or stainless steel, must be very hot before you add the scallops. 3) Do not overcrowd the pan and don’t move the scallops for at least 1.5-2 minutes to allow the crust to form.
Seared scallops are done when they are golden brown on both sides and are just opaque all the way through. They should feel firm to the touch, but still have a slight spring. This typically takes about 1.5-2 minutes per side for large sea scallops.
You can give scallops a quick rinse under cold water, especially to check for any sand or grit. However, the most critical step after rinsing is to pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture on the surface will prevent them from searing properly.
The biggest secret is not to overcook them. Scallops cook in just a few minutes. They are done as soon as they turn opaque. Overcooking is what makes them rubbery and tough.
A heavy-bottomed skillet that retains heat well is best. Cast-iron and stainless steel skillets are excellent choices because they get very hot and provide even, consistent heat for a perfect sear.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes
Seared Scallops Recipe with Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- If attached, remove the small side-muscle from each scallop. Thoroughly pat all scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place a large 12-inch skillet (cast iron recommended) over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil and heat until the oil is shimmering.
- Carefully add the scallops to the hot pan in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Sear for 1.5-2 minutes without moving, until a rich, golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
- Flip the scallops. Add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. The butter will melt and foam quickly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, tilting the pan and spooning the garlic butter over the scallops as they cook.
- Remove the scallops from the pan to a plate. Turn off the heat and stir the fresh lemon juice and parsley into the pan sauce. Pour the sauce over the scallops and serve immediately.
Notes
Dry is Key: For the best sear, your scallops must be completely dry. Let them rest on a paper towel in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before cooking if you have time.
Hot Pan: Don't be afraid to get your pan very hot before adding the scallops. This is essential for creating the crust.
Share Your Creations!
We hope you love this easy Seared Scallops Recipe! If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. We love hearing from you! Don’t forget to share a photo of your masterpiece and tag us on Pinterest!
