Silky Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops Recipe: Ocean’s Finest Gem

Golden, succulent scallops dancing in a buttery garlic seared scallops recipe make dinner feel like a luxurious restaurant experience right at home.

Delicate seafood meets rich, aromatic flavors that sing with each perfectly caramelized bite.

Tender scallops require precision and love, with just a few simple ingredients standing between you and a gourmet meal.

Professional chefs guard their secrets, but this recipe breaks down every delicious step for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.

Each scallop develops a gorgeous golden crust that seals in incredible maritime sweetness and silky texture.

With minimal prep and cooking time, these elegant shellfish can become your new favorite quick and impressive dinner.

One skillet transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary moment that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 308 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients for Buttery Garlic Seared Scallops

• Scallops: Delicate marine treasures with sweet, tender flesh that caramelizes beautifully when seared; choose fresh, plump scallops with a pearly white color and no strong fishy odor.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the natural sweetness of scallops and create a flavor foundation.
• Garlic: Aromatic allium that adds depth and warmth, transforming the dish with its rich, pungent character.
• Lemon: Bright citrus that cuts through richness and adds a zesty, refreshing tang to complement the scallops.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a vibrant green garnish and subtle herbaceous note to finish the dish.

• Olive Oil: Versatile cooking oil that helps create a golden, crispy exterior on scallops.
• Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt: Luxurious blend that adds richness, enhances browning, and introduces a subtle saltiness to the dish.

Tools for Searing Scallops Just Right

• Large skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan for perfect searing and even heat distribution.
• Paper towels: Essential for drying scallops to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust.
• Tongs: Ideal for carefully flipping and handling delicate scallops without breaking them.
• Measuring spoons: For precise seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing garlic and parsley.
• Sharp knife: Used for chopping parsley and slicing lemon.
• Plate: To hold cooked scallops temporarily during cooking process.

How to Pan-Sear Garlic Scallops Flawlessly

• Kitchen Preparation

Gather all necessary cooking tools and clean your workspace thoroughly. Select a large skillet and ensure your scallops are fresh and ready for cooking.

• Scallop Seasoning

Gently dry the scallops using clean paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper across both surfaces to enhance natural flavors.

• Searing Process

Heat skillet on medium-high with a touch of olive oil. Place scallops carefully, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until perfectly caramelized.

• Buttery Garlic Sauce

Remove scallops from skillet. Add butter with olive oil and sea salt. Introduce minced garlic, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence. The kitchen will fill with an incredible fragrance.

• Final Touches

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet. Return scallops to the pan, coating them with the rich, garlicky sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley for color and freshness.

• Serving Suggestion

Plate the scallops over warm pasta. Garnish with additional lemon slices for a bright, citrusy complement to the rich, buttery seafood.

Garlic Butter Tips & Citrus Finish Ideas

• Ensure scallops are completely dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that seals in delicious flavors and prevents steaming.
• Replace Land O Lakes® Butter with clarified butter or ghee for a higher smoke point, allowing even more intense searing without burning the delicate butter.
• Enhance the dish by adding a splash of white wine, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra depth and crunch.
• Swap scallops with shrimp or halibut for an equally impressive seafood meal that follows the same simple searing technique and garlic butter sauce.
• Prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and refrigerate, then quickly reheat when ready to serve for a stress-free, restaurant-quality dinner in minutes.

Fancy Plating for These Golden Beauties

• Plate with Pasta Perfection: Serve these golden-brown scallops atop a bed of al dente linguine or angel hair pasta, allowing the buttery garlic sauce to coat each strand beautifully.
• Zesty Citrus Companion: Add extra lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze fresh citrus over their scallops, enhancing the bright, tangy flavor profile of the dish.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the scallops for a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous notes that complement the rich, buttery seafood.
• Elegant Plating Style: Arrange scallops in a circular pattern on white plates to showcase their beautiful caramelized exterior, drizzling the garlic butter sauce artfully around them for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Store & Reheat Without Overcooking

• Maximize Freshness: Store cooked scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid leaving seafood at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Quick Refrigeration Trick: Cool the scallops completely before sealing them in the container. This helps maintain their delicate texture and prevents moisture buildup.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual scallops tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen scallops can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Gently warm scallops in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the delicate seafood tough and rubbery.

Succulent Garlic Seared Scallops Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic seared scallops highlight classic coastal cuisine with golden-brown exteriors and tender centers. Delicate seafood combines simple ingredients for an elegant main course you’ll savor with each perfectly caramelized bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) sea scallops
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 2 tsps (10 g) garlic, minced
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
• 1 medium lemon (juice of half, slice remaining half)
• 1 tbsp (15 g) parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously pat scallops dry using paper towels, ensuring surfaces are completely moisture-free. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
2. Searing: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with extra virgin olive oil. Carefully place seasoned scallops, maintaining space between each piece. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown crust while preserving a tender core.
3. Pan Sauce: After removing scallops, melt butter with olive oil in the same skillet. Add minced garlic, stirring continuously for 30 seconds until fragrant. Introduce fresh lemon juice, creating a vibrant pan sauce with sea salt.
4. Finishing: Return seared scallops to the skillet, gently coating with lemon-garlic butter. Sprinkle chopped parsley for color and freshness. Plate over linguine or preferred pasta, garnishing with additional lemon wedges for personalized flavor.

Notes

• Prep Perfectly: Pat scallops bone-dry to achieve a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Heat Matters: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet on medium-high heat to create an ideal searing environment without burning.
• Space Wisely: Arrange scallops with enough room between them to ensure proper caramelization and prevent soggy texture.
• Timing is Key: Sear each side for 2-3 minutes maximum to maintain a delicate, tender center while creating a crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 308
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 573 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg