Description
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with these golden, tender Easy Pan Seared Scallops. This quick dinner idea delivers restaurant-level results with minimal effort. Perfect as an easy dinner, elegant appetizer, or part of your healthy snack rotation, these scallops are seared to perfection and finished in a garlicky lemon butter sauce. A must-try for seafood lovers and anyone in need of fast and delicious food ideas!
Ingredients
1 pound dry sea scallops (about 10-12 large)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves finely minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus more for serving)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon zest optional for garnish
Instructions
1. Remove the side muscle from each scallop if attached and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer. Place scallops in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching.
3. Sear without moving for 2–3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms.
4. Flip each scallop and add butter to the skillet. Cook for another 1–2 minutes while spooning the melted butter over the scallops. Add garlic during the last 30 seconds.
5. Remove the pan from heat and stir in lemon juice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional lemon zest.
6. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and drizzle with the pan sauce.
Notes
For the best sear, ensure your scallops are thoroughly dry before they hit the pan.
Use a stainless steel or cast iron skillet for optimal browning.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed for that golden crust.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 scallops
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg