🧄🧈 Garlic Butter-Seared Scallops – Restaurant-Quality in 15 Minutes
If you’re craving a luxurious seafood dinner that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, these Garlic Butter-Seared Scallops are the perfect choice. With golden-brown scallops, a rich garlic butter sauce, and a bright splash of lemon, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results right at home — in under 15 minutes.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a special occasion meal, or simply want to elevate your weeknight cooking, this easy scallops recipe is guaranteed to impress.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound sea scallops, patted completely dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Scallops
- Perfect golden sear every time
- Ready in just 15 minutes
- Simple ingredients, bold flavor
- Low-carb, keto-friendly & gluten-free
- Elegant yet incredibly easy
This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of sea scallops while adding richness from butter, brightness from lemon, and freshness from parsley.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Scallops
Pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels — this step is essential for getting that beautiful golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Heat the Pan
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. A hot pan ensures proper searing instead of steaming.
3️⃣ Sear the Scallops
Place scallops in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, untouched, until a deep golden crust forms. Flip once, cook briefly, then remove and set aside.
4️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower heat slightly. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant — do not brown the garlic.
5️⃣ Finish with Lemon & Herbs
Pour in fresh lemon juice, scraping up the flavorful bits from the pan. Return scallops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and cook 30–60 seconds more.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfectly Seared Scallops
- Use dry sea scallops, not wet scallops
- Do not overcrowd the pan
- Avoid moving scallops while searing
- Use fresh lemon juice only
- Serve immediately for best texture
🍽 What to Serve with Garlic Butter Scallops
These scallops pair beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Garlic rice or lemon butter pasta
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Fresh garden salad
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
🥗 Health Benefits of Scallops
Scallops are:
- High in lean protein
- Low in calories
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Packed with vitamin B12 and minerals
This makes garlic butter scallops a healthy yet indulgent seafood option.
🧄🧈 Final Thoughts
These Garlic Butter-Seared Scallops prove that elegant cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With crispy edges, tender centers, and a bright, buttery sauce, this dish is a true show-stopper that’s surprisingly easy to make.
If you love quick seafood recipes, easy scallops dinners, or restaurant-style meals at home, this recipe deserves a spot in your favorites.
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