Pan Seared 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!
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.
HOW TO COOK 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 TIPS: HOW TO COOK SCALLOPS THAT ARE THE BEST!
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.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH SCALLOPS
I love serving scallops with rice or quinoa, but they taste great with pasta, as well. Cauliflower Mushroom Rice and Roasted Vegetables complement them nicely, as does a nice glass of white wine.
DELICIOUS SCALLOP RECIPES
I just perused my archives and found these scallop recipes that I loved, as well! Give them a try!
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.
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!
Avocado and Onion Salad – Combining creamy avocado and red onions in this simple recipe creates a light and delicious summer salad. Lots of flavor makes this colorful salad an easy choice for a light lunch, healthy snack or just a great side dish!
Easy Coleslaw – This classic 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 – Roasting vegetables is 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 – Easy 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 – Brussels 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!
Pan Seared Scallops
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Few splashes 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.
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