Description
Buttery, garlicky, and beautifully seared, these garlic butter scallops deliver a restaurant-quality dish in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick, elegant meal with rich flavor and minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 lb large sea scallops, patted dry
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place scallops in a single layer in the skillet without overcrowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
- Once the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice and zest, then return scallops to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter over them.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes until just warmed through.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using), then serve immediately.
Notes
Make sure scallops are fully dry to get a proper sear.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—sear in batches if needed.
Use stainless steel or cast iron for best searing results.
Garnish with extra lemon wedges for added brightness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
