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    Home » Main » Pan Seared Sea Scallops Recipe

    Pan Seared Sea Scallops Recipe

    Published: Aug 4, 2018 · Modified: Jan 10, 2022 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Pan seared sea scallops are decadent and delicious, yet one of the easiest dinners around! The simple, savory sauce that they are seared in is out-of-this-world delicious!

    Plate filled with seared scallops, rice and broccoli.

    Why This Recipe Works

    I can never come up with an answer when asked about my favorite type of seafood. Shrimp, lobster, crab legs, shrimp.. It’s all so glorious! And different! There is something so decadent and special about a carefully-made seafood meal.

    When I see scallops on the menu at a restaurant, I almost always order them. I do not, however, make them very often at home, which needs to change. The tiny bit of effort it takes to make them produces the most delicious results.

    Something else I love about seafood is that it is so naturally delicious that it hardly needs any help from seasonings. Butter, salt, pepper, lemon juice and garlic transform delicious scallops into it-tastes-like-you-slaved-over-these scallops.

    Close up of seared scallops in a skillet.

    How To Make Pan Seared Scallops

    Step 1

    Place scallops on a flat surface and pat wet scallops dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper. Add the butter to a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to melt.

    Add garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

    Step 2

    Turn heat to medium-high and add the scallops to the hot pan in a single layer (do this in 2 batches, if needed). Sear for 2 minutes per side, making sure not to overcook.

    Remove from heat and serve with rice or pasta. Pour the sauce from the pan over the tops of the scallops.

    Recipe Notes

    • The most important note about this recipe (and any scallop recipe): DO NOT OVERCOOK THEM. Scallops cook very quickly, so 2 minutes per side is all they will need. Overcooked scallops are rubbery and not nearly as enjoyable. Be sure to set a timer as they cook!
    • If using frozen scallops, allow them to thaw completely in the fridge before making the recipe. If you don’t have time for this step, place frozen scallops in a plastic bag and let sit in a bowl of cold water until thawed.
    Fresh scallops lined up in a single layer in a skillet.

    What To Serve With Seared Scallops – 13 delicious ideas!

    Pan-seared scallops are a delicious yet easy dinner option that require such little time. If you are searching for ideas about what to serve with seared scallops, read on for 13+ delicious and easy ideas!

    Delicious Scallop Recipes

    I just perused my archives and found these scallop recipes that I loved, as well! Give them a try!

    • Grilled Scallops and Veggies
    • Lemon Butter Sea Scallops

    FAQ About Scallops

    What are scallops?

    Like mussels and clams, scallops are considered bivalve mollusks that live in the sea. There are many types of scallops, but most can be found in deep waters on the ocean bottom.

    Are scallops shellfish?

    Yes, scallops are shellfish. There are two varieties of shellfish:
    Crustacea: crab, lobster, shrimp.
    Mollusks: scallops, oysters, clams, mussels.

    What do scallops taste like?

    The flavor of cooked sea scallops is similar to that of lobster and crab meat, but with a firmer texture. Like lobster and crab, scallops have a delicate texture that tastes buttery, sweet and flavorful.

    Are scallops healthy?

    With a low calorie count and high protein and vitamin B12 content, scallops are a very healthy food to incorporate into your diet.

    Top view of a plate of scallops and broccoli with a fork alongside it.

    Vegetable Side Dishes

    Putting together a vegetable side for your meal should be easy and delicious. Mix up your go-to vegetable with one of these flavorful options!

    • Easy Coleslaw contains shredded cabbage, creamy vinaigrette dressing and it’s not loaded down with mayo! This will be your go-to slaw for a dinner side, picnic fare and fish tacos!
    • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob – Make a favorite summer finger food in your Instant Pot: Perfectly cooked corn on the cob EVERY SINGLE TIME. Let your pressure cooker simplify meal-time so you can enjoy every morsel of summer.
    • Roasted Vegetables are super easy and it results in a deliciously crispy, flavorful side dish. This recipe will turn veggie haters into veggie lovers! Swap out vegetables in this recipe for any you might have on hand, such as cauliflower, zucchini, mushrooms or onions.
    • Sauteed Cabbage is the perfect quick and delicious side dish for any meal. Using only a few ingredients and taking 10 minutes of your time, you can’t go wrong with this super flavorful and affordable recipe!
    • Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate Seeds is perfect as a solo party appetizer or a side dish to any meal. The sweet and savory flavors are complementary and so delicious!

    Will you help add value to Pip and Ebby?
    If you make this recipe and love it, stop back and give it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!

    Pan Seared Sea Scallops Recipe

    Pan seared sea scallops are decadent and delicious, yet one of the easiest dinners around. Out-of-this-world delicious!
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 136kcal
    Author: Megan Porta

    Ingredients

    • 3 tbsp butter
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 tbsp lemon juice
    • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 20 sea scallops

    Instructions

    • Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
    • Turn heat to medium-high and add the scallops to the pan (do this in 2 batches, if needed). Sear for 2 minutes per side, making sure not to overcook.
    • Remove from heat and serve with rice or pasta. Pour the sauce from the pan over the tops of the scallops.

    Notes

    • The most important note about this recipe (and any scallop recipe): DO NOT OVERCOOK THEM. Scallops cook very quickly, so 2 minutes per side is all they will need. Overcooked scallops are rubbery and not nearly as enjoyable. Be sure to set a timer as they cook!
    • If using frozen scallops, allow them to thaw completely in the fridge before making the recipe. If you don’t have time for this step, place frozen scallops in a plastic bag and let sit in a bowl of cold water until thawed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 411mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 269IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!
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    I'm Megan and I am so happy you are here! Whether you are looking for a healthy salad, easy dinner or indulgent dessert, I've got you covered! Let's dig deeper →

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